A fire broke out around 2 a.m. Monday at a makeshift wooden structure used as a homeless shelter near the intersection of Alta Loma and Boulevard Venustiano Carranza in Tijuana. The flames spread rapidly to MJGREEN, a nearby distribution and foliage business, causing significant damage to the commercial property and several vehicles in its parking lot.
No injuries were reported. The exact number of damaged vehicles has not been confirmed by authorities.
Road Closures and Emergency Response
Firefighters responded to the scene and worked to contain the blaze, which required temporary road closures in the surrounding area. The Alta Loma corridor near Boulevard Venustiano Carranza is a well-trafficked route in eastern Tijuana, connecting several commercial and residential zones.
Authorities reopened roads once the fire was brought under control, though some residual disruption was expected as crews secured the scene. An investigation into the cause of the fire is now underway.
Makeshift Shelters Remain a Fire Risk
The fire originated in a makeshift wooden structure, the type of informal shelter commonly found in parts of Tijuana where homeless populations congregate. These structures, often built from scavenged wood and other flammable materials, pose a recurring fire risk in the city. Tijuana has seen a growing number of informal encampments in recent years, particularly in commercial and industrial corridors.
The proximity of the shelter to MJGREEN, a business dealing in plant distribution and foliage, allowed flames to jump quickly between the structures. The speed of the fire’s spread is typical when wooden construction is involved, especially in the early morning hours when fires can burn undetected before emergency crews arrive.
Drivers who use the Alta Loma and Boulevard Venustiano Carranza intersection should check for any lingering closures or detours before heading through the area.
The incident was first reported by The Baja Post.