A massive fire broke out on Tuesday morning at a warehouse located on the intersection of Valentín Amador Avenue and the Matehuala highway, in the municipality of Soledad de Graciano Sánchez, San Luis Potosí. The fire, which ignited around 10:30 AM, prompted immediate evacuation measures for nearby schools, as the flames and thick, black smoke rose to nearly two kilometers high, frightening local residents.
Witnesses reported hearing explosions at the warehouse, causing panic among those living nearby. The Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection of San Luis Potosí confirmed via social networks on Tuesday morning the extensive nature of the fire and immediately dispatched fire crews and the state civil guard to the scene.
Schools such as the Damián Carmona primary school and the Pablo Neruda kindergarten were directly affected, with around 450 students evacuated as flames spread and smoke engulfed the area. Additional evacuations included approximately 120 pedestrians and 250 residents from nearby buildings. Authorities reported no injuries at this time, but warned residents to avoid smoke contact and to stay away from the vicinity.
The location of the fire was identified as being part of a larger warehouse facility used to store pallets, plastic products, and other flammable materials. Given the combustibility of the materials stored and high winds, fire experts from various agencies, including the State Civil Protection and local firefighters, were engaged to combat the blaze. More than 100 officers and emergency responders from fire departments, the Red Cross, municipal police, and even the Mexican Army were present to address the inferno.
According to Mauricio Flores Ordaz, director of Civil Protection, the intensity of the fire was severe enough to be visible from several areas within the metropolitan zone. He emphasized the importance of quick evacuations, noting, "We have evicted thousands for their safety, since homes are very close to the fire hazard." The quick actions of both municipal and state authorities were aimed at safeguarding as many lives as possible from this dangerous situation.
The operations to extinguish the flames have been extensive. Firefighters deployed at least thirty fire trucks and have requested more support, noting the immense challenge posed by the volume of materials involved – reports indicated as many as 6,000 pallets could be ablaze. Efforts to control the fire have faced complications due to wind conditions, potentially spreading flames and smoke over larger areas.
Through social media platforms, the public shared images of the towering smoke cloud, sparking concerns among citizens especially about air quality and safety. Local officials stressed the importance of avoiding unnecessary traffic to the area to allow emergency crews to operate unimpeded, stating, "Please do not stop to take photos or videos. It poses significant risks to your safety and those of our responders."
The San Luis Potosí Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection implemented traffic controls around the incident, closing main access routes including sections of the Matehuala highway to facilitate emergency response. Residents were advised to seek alternate routes until the situation was resolved.
While efforts to combat the fire are still underway, it remains unclear what caused this massive outbreak. Authorities have yet to release details on the origins or the full extent of losses resulting from the incident. Continuous communication will be maintained to keep the public informed of developments as emergency crews navigate the challenges of the fire.
The community is now watching closely, pondering just how such events could affect safety regulations for facilities handling flammable materials. For many, the alarming spectacle highlighted pressing concerns about emergency preparedness and fire safety protocols across industries.
Emergency officials will continue monitoring the situation, assessing damage, and ensuring both personal and public safety as they work diligently to bring the inferno under control. Local residents remain hopeful for not only swift resolution but also evaluations to prevent potential disasters of this nature moving forward.