Immediate Assistance and Investigation into Cause of the Incident
The City Government of Mexico, led by Clara Brugada Molina, has provided comprehensive support to families affected by a fire that broke out on the night of Friday, May 2nd, in an informal settlement located in Lindavista. Fortunately, there were no reported human casualties.
Cleanup and Food Provision
- Cleanup efforts and food distribution for affected families initiated by various departments
- Initial reports suggest a short circuit caused the fire, but the investigation continues by the FGJ
- Multiple agencies including Protection Civil, Sebiso, Sedema, and Obras participated in the cleanup process
On Saturday morning, 27 personnel from the Secretariat of Environmental and Water Affairs (SEDEMA) joined forces to remove debris and assist residents in relocating their belongings. They also rescued a non-Africanized European bee swarm, which was transported to the Sierra de Guadalupe.
- Asbestos sheets, cardboard, plastic, tinacos, refrigerators, mattresses, sofas, tires, wardrobes, clothing bags, and burnt store items were removed.
- 142 personnel from the Department of Urban Services and Sustainability (DGSU) and the Department of Urban Imagery of the Works Secretariat conducted cleaning, manual sweeping over 450 square meters, and collected 256 cubic meters of waste in 32 trips using 17 vehicles.
Food and Shelter Support
The Secretariat of Welfare and Equality (SEBIEN) along with the City Housing Institute conducted censuses in the 33 affected homes and provided over 200 food rations to the families.
“We committed to providing 200 food rations until the families can start preparing their meals independently. Meanwhile, we will continue to support them as needed.”
Cause and Risk Assessment
Preliminary data suggests the fire started due to a short circuit caused by electrical overload. However, the final investigation is pending as per the instructions from the Fiscal General de Justicia de la Ciudad de México (FGJCDMX).
The Secretariat of Integrated Risk Management and Civil Protection (SGIRPC) coordinated the response from a unified command post, with crucial support from the Heroic Fire Department. Additional water supplies were provided by the Secretariats of Urban Security (SSC), Integrated Water Management (SEGIAGUA), and multiple municipalities.
The SGIRPC established a security perimeter and set up a permanent command post to address the affected population through the special operation “Operativo Lindavista.”
Lindavista Settlement and Risk Mitigation
The Lindavista informal settlement consisted of 150 tin-sheet homes housing approximately 100 residents. Post-fire assessment by SGIRPC technicians revealed portable gas tanks and non-compliant electrical installations as significant risks.
The SGIRPC will maintain a 24-hour presence at the command post to ensure residents’ safety and coordinate risk reduction actions in the area.
City Housing officials have initiated direct contact with affected families to prioritize them for social housing solutions, ensuring they receive a home without intermediaries.
Housing Solutions
Following the instructions from the City Chief, affected families will be offered temporary housing options while a more robust long-term housing project is developed. This strategy, coordinated by the Housing Secretariat, aims to provide dignified and secure living conditions without separating communities from their usual surroundings.
“It’s time to deliver justice,” emphasized Clara Brugada during a visit to Lindavista alongside Gustavo A. Madero’s mayor, Janecarlo Lozano. They instructed relevant departments to engage with the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS), the plot’s owner, and work towards a definitive resolution for the housing issue.
