Title: Breaking: major blaze engulfs building in Mexico City‘s Iztapalapa borough
A fire of significant magnitude has erupted in the heart of Mexico City’s Iztapalapa borough, with authorities scrambling to contain the blaze and ensure public safety. The incident, reported on the night of December 25, saw firefighters from the city’s bomb squad rush to the scene to verify and manage the situation.
What authorities had to say
The city’s firefighting department took to social media to confirm the incident, stating, "We received a report of a fire in the Tenorios neighborhood in @Alc_Iztapalapa; we have arrived at the scene to verify the situation and keep the public informed."
CCTV captures intense flames
CCTV footage from the city’s Command, Control, Communications, Computing, and Cybernetics Center (C5) revealed intense flames consuming the building, highlighting the seriousness of the fire.
Fire details and response
Initial reports suggest that the fire engulfed an area of approximately 700 square meters, with the flames spreading across the hillsides of a nearby barranca (ravine). Firefighters swiftly deployed to carry out cooling and damping-down operations, successfully preventing any injuries. They also reported that the fire started due to the burning of waste and undergrowth.
Preventing and responding to home fires
In light of this incident, it’s crucial to remember what to do in case of house fires. Here are some key steps to keep in mind:
When trapped inside:
- Isolate yourself from the fire.
- Block air entries with moist towels.
- Call emergency services (911).
- Use a wet cloth or bandana to cover your nose and mouth.
If you can exit:
- Remain calm.
- Use a fire extinguisher (if available) or try to control small fires using salt, baking soda, or extinguishing liquids suitable for different fire types (A, B, C, D).
- Avoid using potentially disastrous methods, such as using water on electrical fires or oil/grease blazes.
- Never use an elevator; instead, use emergency stairs.
- Evacuate immediately and inform emergency services (911).
Types of fires
There are four main types of fires, each requiring a differing response:
- Type A: Organic material fires, typically started as embers.
- Type B: Liquid and gas fires, usually pieces of equipment.
- Type C: Electrical fires, often involving electronic devices.
- Type D: Metal and chemical fires, require specialized expertise.
This news piece was compiled from reports released by Mexico City’s fire department.