Residents of Riberas del Pilar are singing the praises of the Chapala fire department, local police and the Red Cross for their prompt and professional response to a dangerous fire reported just after midnight Friday, March 23.
The conflagration broke out on a lot situated between a private home and a second-hand store located on the highway opposite the Telecable office. Three adults and a minor were rescued from the neighboring house after the flames spread and jumped a wall dividing the two properties. The blaze was finally quelled by around 3:30 a.m.
Fire chief Osbaldo Sandoval told the Reporter that the fire appears to have started in the storage shed of a makeshift mechanic’s shop operated by expat resident Joe Nocito. He reportedly was not on the premises when the incident occurred, but appeared after firefighters arrived on the scene.The firemen detected signs that the flames had been sparked by an electrical appliance that short circuited and ignited flammable solvents kept in the shed. The fire spread quickly, setting off a series of loud explosions as it blew up tanks containing propane and other gases and the tires of several vehicles parked on the grounds.
The official incident report indicates that the fire damaged two motorcycles, three cars, a pickup truck, a pair of trailers, two motor homes, assorted tools, equipment and personal belongings stored on the property, as well as a van parked next door.
Sandoval said the workshop had not been registered with the city’s business license office, which would have required prior inspection by the municipal Civil Protection Unit. Detection of the improper storage of hazardous materials could have reduced the gravity of the fire or prevented it altogether, he said.