A major fire broke out in San Miguel, Buenos Aires Province, causing a high-risk situation and significant concern among residents. The blaze directly affected a lumber mill and a window factory, spreading dangerously to adjacent buildings, including a paint warehouse, which heightened the alert due to the potential presence of highly flammable materials. Six volunteer fire departments from San Miguel arrived immediately, working intensively to contain the flames, prevent explosions, and stop the fire's spread to nearby structures and a gas station just meters away. Numerous residents gathered in the vicinity, watching with concern as the fire progressed and emergency teams worked. Police officers assisted with traffic control and establishing a security perimeter. According to reports, the fire also damaged a neighboring property with corrals. Specialized experts will evaluate the fire's origin once the area is completely cooled and secured. Initial estimates indicate that the occupant was evacuated in time, and there were no fatalities or serious injuries, though the situation created moments of extreme tension. The characteristics of the fire forced firefighters to work with extreme caution due to the proximity of the paint warehouse and the gas station. The operation lasted for several hours, complicated by the combustible nature of the materials stored on-site. The fire generated dense columns of black smoke visible for several blocks, prompting authorities to advise residents to stay indoors, close doors and windows, and avoid the area. A small, precarious structure used for sleeping by a caretaker was found at the entrance to one of the corrals. No hypothesis is being ruled out, from an electrical fault to an accident related to the industrial activity on the affected property. The incident has again brought to the forefront the debate about locating industrial facilities and hazardous material warehouses in densely populated urban areas, as well as the need for stricter controls and updated contingency plans to minimize risks during such emergencies. As cooling and debris removal operations continue, San Miguel residents closely monitor the situation, hoping the fire is fully extinguished so a precise assessment of the anticipated significant material damage can be made.
