Tijuana, Baja California – [Current Date]
A dense column of black smoke rose this afternoon over the southern area of Tijuana following a large-scale fire near the city’s Central de Abasto, one of the busiest and most commercial zones in the region. The blaze has caused alarm among vendors, transport workers, and nearby residents, who have begun evacuating the area as the flames spread.

🔥 Fire Outbreak and Initial Reactions
According to early reports from the Municipal Civil Protection agency, the fire is believed to have started around 2:30 PM in a warehouse storing perishable goods, located less than 300 meters from the Central de Abasto. The fire spread quickly due to the presence of flammable materials such as cardboard boxes, plastic, and transportation fuel.
Witnesses reported hearing small explosions inside the facility before the fire became visible from various points around the city.
Tijuana firefighters have deployed more than 10 firetrucks and over 30 personnel, who are working intensely to contain the blaze. Meanwhile, Red Cross paramedics and Municipal Police have cordoned off the area to prevent civilian access.

“The situation is critical, but we are working to prevent the flames from reaching other industrial buildings,” stated the fire chief on-site.

So far, no fatalities have been confirmed, although at least five people have been treated for smoke inhalation and anxiety attacks.

🌫️ Air Quality Alert and Collapsed Traffic
Due to the thick smoke, authorities have issued an air quality alert for nearby neighborhoods such as Murúa, El Florido, and Mariano Matamoros. Residents are advised to stay indoors, close windows, and wear face masks if near the affected area.

Vehicular traffic has been severely impacted along the Tijuana-Tecate Free Road as well as on Bulevar Insurgentes, where several kilometers of traffic jams have formed due to detours and preventive road closures.

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