Major Fire Engulfs Plastics Factory in Xochimilco, Mexico City

Early Morning Blaze Strikes Xochimilco Factory

An extensive fire erupted in a plastics factory located in the Potrero de San Bernardino neighborhood of Xochimilco, Mexico City, during the early hours of Thursday, January 22, 2026. The incident, reported around 05:47 AM, quickly escalated, consuming an area estimated at 2,000 square meters within the facility. The factory was reportedly involved in the production of recyclable plastics and food containers.

Emergency Response and Evacuations

A large-scale emergency operation was immediately launched, involving multiple agencies. The Heroic Fire Department of Mexico City (Bomberos de la CDMX) led the efforts to control the inferno, supported by personnel from the Secretariat of Integral Risk Management and Civil Protection (SGIRPC), the Secretariat of Integral Water Management (SEGIAGUA), the Secretariat of Citizen Security, and the Xochimilco mayor's office.

Myriam Urzúa Venegas, head of the SGIRPC, was present at the scene to coordinate the response. Additionally, firefighters from the Secretariat of Marina (Semar) joined the efforts. As a precautionary measure, approximately 50 people from the surrounding area were preventively evacuated. Authorities confirmed that no injuries or fatalities were reported as a result of the fire.

Operational Challenges and Impact

The intensity of the blaze resulted in a large column of black smoke visible from various points across southern Mexico City. The factory's roof ultimately collapsed due to the fire. To prevent the spread of flames, nearby structures, including a parking lot, a laboratory, and a gymnasium, were actively cooled by emergency crews.

The incident also caused disruptions to public services; the Tren Ligero (Light Rail) service was temporarily suspended in the vicinity of the La Noria station to facilitate emergency operations and the movement of water tankers. The Secretariat of Integral Water Management utilized 'garzas' (water supply points) to fill 40 tanker trucks involved in firefighting.

Investigation Underway

By late morning, fire department officials, including Juan Manuel Cova, Director General of the CDMX Fire Department, reported significant progress, with the fire being 70% to 80% extinguished. The Attorney General's Office of Mexico City (FGJ) will conduct the necessary investigations to determine the exact cause of the fire.