A massive industrial fire in San Luis Potosí forced the evacuation of approximately 200 people on Wednesday, as emergency crews battled intense flames fueled by a volatile mix of lithium batteries, plastics, and rubber. The blaze broke out at the facilities of Polímeros Nacionales, known as Polnac, located within the city’s critical industrial corridor.
The scale of the emergency triggered a multi-agency response, including the activation of the Plan DN-III-E, the Mexican military’s specialized disaster relief protocol. Firefighters and the National Guard worked for several hours to prevent the fire from spreading to adjacent businesses in the densely packed Zona Industrial.
According to reports from the local fire department, there have been no fatalities or injuries resulting from the incident. However, the nature of the materials involved created a hazardous environment, with the fire consuming 100 percent of the products stored in the affected warehouses.
Toxic fumes and specialized containment
The firefighting effort was complicated by the presence of lithium batteries and synthetic polymers, which release highly toxic contaminants when burned. Because of the respiratory risks, only personnel equipped with specialized oxygen tanks and protective gear were permitted to enter the interior of the warehouse.
The plume of smoke prompted immediate evacuations of neighboring companies to safeguard workers from chemical inhalation. Authorities have issued a stern warning to employees in the surrounding area to remain distant from the site and, at a minimum, utilize face masks to filter airborne particulates.
The coordination of the response involved the State Civil Protection Coordination and the Municipal Civil Protection Directorate, who managed the perimeter and the phased evacuation of the workforce. By approximately 10:00 p.m. On Wednesday, state officials reported that the fire was 90 percent controlled, though crews remained on-site to manage hot spots and prevent reignition.
Incident Summary: Polímeros Nacionales Fire
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Company Affected | Polnac (Polímeros Nacionales) |
| Location | 290 Calle Comisión Federal de Electricidad, SLP |
| Materials Burned | Lithium batteries, plastics, and rubber |
| Evacuations | Approximately 200 people |
| Response Level | Plan DN-III-E activated |
Impact on Polímeros Nacionales
Polímeros Nacionales is a specialist in the production of color concentrates, additives, and compounds, as well as the commercialization of plastic resins. While the company maintains its corporate headquarters in the State of Mexico, the San Luis Potosí branch serves as a key operational hub for its regional distribution.
The financial and operational blow to the company is expected to be significant, given the total loss of inventory in the incinerated warehouses. As of Thursday morning, no legal representatives from Polnac have appeared at the scene, and officials have been unable to establish contact with company employees to determine the immediate impact on the workforce.
The exact cause of the ignition remains unknown. Investigators from the fire department and civil protection are waiting for the site to cool completely before entering the ruins to conduct a forensic analysis of the origin of the spark.
Public health and environmental precautions
The Municipal Directorate of Civil Protection has emphasized that the environmental impact of the smoke—particularly from the combustion of lithium and rubber—requires continued vigilance. Residents and workers in the Zona Industrial are advised to keep windows closed and avoid the immediate vicinity of the 290 block of Calle Comisión Federal de Electricidad.
The continued presence of the National Guard is intended to maintain order and ensure that the evacuation zones remain clear while the final 10 percent of the fire is extinguished and the structural integrity of the remaining warehouse shells is assessed.
For those experiencing respiratory distress or irritation following the event, local health authorities recommend seeking medical attention at the nearest clinic, as the chemical composition of the smoke can cause delayed pulmonary inflammation.
The next critical checkpoint will be the release of the official fire marshal’s report, which will determine whether safety protocols were followed and if the storage of lithium batteries met municipal industrial codes. Authorities are expected to provide a final status update once the site is declared safe for reentry.
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