Fire Engulfs Tigre Mattress Factory, Spreads to Paper Warehouse

A serious fire broke out at a mattress factory in General Pacheco, Tigre, on Thursday midday, sending flames nearly 20 meters high and producing a thick column of black smoke visible for kilometers. The blaze tore through the mattress facility on Las Heras and México streets before spreading to an adjacent warehouse storing paper materials. Despite the intensity, no fatalities were reported.

The quick escape of the workforce proved critical. Minutes before the fire started around 11 a.m., the factory owner had instructed everyone to leave for lunch. That timing meant the building was empty when flames erupted. One employee with 20 years at the company learned of the disaster while already walking home, just five blocks away.

Firefighters from the General Pacheco Volunteer Fire Department arrived quickly and managed to bring the fire under control by 2 p.m. The chief told local media that the mattress depot measured 15 by 40 meters, while the affected paper warehouse spanned 40 by 50 meters. Firefighters then moved to cooling and overhaul operations, warning that parts of the mattress factory structure were at risk of collapse, though neighboring homes were not threatened.

The toxic smoke, fueled by plastics used in mattress production, led to three people receiving medical attention for inhalation. Evacuations of nearby houses were ordered as a precaution, and the area was cordoned off, causing significant traffic delays on main roads and public transport. The cause of the fire remains undetermined and will be investigated by experts once the site is safe.

What We Know About the Blaze and Its Immediate Fallout

The Company's Immediate Challenge

The firm faces the total loss of its production space and possibly its inventory. While no workforce injuries occurred, the destruction of the building and damage to the paper warehouse could disrupt operations for months. A full investigation into the fire's origin will likely be conducted by local authorities and the company's insurers. For the owners, the financial hit is considerable, though it is unclear whether the business was adequately insured.

What Residents Should Expect

General Pacheco, a densely populated urban area 18 kilometers from Buenos Aires, will see lingering effects. Road closures around the factory are expected to persist as crews clear debris and assess structural stability. The toxic smoke, while now dispersed, may have short-term health implications for those with respiratory conditions. Local emergency services have advised the public to avoid the area, a recommendation likely to remain in place through the week's end. No public facilities or major infrastructure were directly hit, so broader economic disruption is minimal.

Advice for Residents and Commuters Near the Pacheco Site

  • Avoid the immediate zone of Las Heras and México streets for at least 24–48 hours because of road closures and the risk of partial building collapse.
  • Anyone who experienced symptoms such as coughing, breathing difficulty, or eye irritation from the smoke should contact local health services, especially those with asthma or other lung conditions.
  • Commuters using the nearby El Talar train station should check for possible delays or diversions on bus routes that pass through the affected area.