MEXICO CITY – A large fire at a furniture factory in the Atlampa neighborhood, Cuauhtémoc borough, put residents and authorities on alert yesterday afternoon. The area was secured as emergency services worked to control the blaze that started around 3:00 PM CST.
Emergency Response and Evacuations
According to initial reports, residents and workers called 911 for help as the fire quickly spread through the factory located on Sabino Street, at the intersection with Garzas. Firefighters arrived promptly at the 500-square-meter facility and began efforts to contain and extinguish the flames. The presence of highly flammable materials within the factory raised concerns about the fire’s rapid expansion.
Authorities cordoned off the area to prevent incidents and evacuated the surrounding vicinity, establishing a perimeter across at least four streets. Approximately 60 people from two nearby buildings were evacuated, with some exiting via rooftops as a safety measure.
Worker Rescues and Medical Attention
The emergency escalated when it was discovered that workers were trapped inside the burning factory. Firefighters, using axes, broke through the sheet metal roof to gain access and rescue the individuals. After several maneuvers, four employees were safely brought out, showing symptoms of intoxication. They were moved to an adjacent building for medical attention; none sustained burn injuries.
Paramedics also provided care to three people suffering from nervous shock and one woman with minor scrapes; none required hospital transfer, according to Civil Protection.
Fire Control and Investigation
Due to multiple exits in the factory, efforts to control the fire were launched from various fronts. Personnel from the Secretariat of Citizen Security (SSC) and federal firefighters were present to provide support. After two hours of intense work, the flames were finally extinguished, and debris removal began.
The cause of the fire at the Atlampa furniture factory remains unknown. Authorities will conduct the corresponding investigations to clarify the incident.
Community Impact and Safety Measures
The incident highlighted the importance of rapid emergency response and community safety protocols in densely populated urban areas. The swift actions of firefighters and other emergency personnel prevented further injuries and contained the fire, mitigating potential wider damage. Residents in the affected area were advised to follow safety guidelines issued by local authorities.
This event underscores the risks associated with industrial facilities located within residential zones, particularly those handling flammable materials. Future investigations are expected to provide insights into fire prevention measures and emergency preparedness for similar establishments in Mexico City.
