By Ioan Grillo
The Associated Press
MEXICO CITY — A fire set off a chain of explosions at Mexico’s most famous fireworks market, destroying hundreds of open-air stands days before the country celebrates its independence.
The market in Tultepec, a few miles outside Mexico City, was badly damaged by a similar fire during last year’s Independence Day celebrations.
Monday’s blaze broke out shortly after dark and spread rapidly to more than 400 wood and corrugated metal vending stalls. Hundreds of firefighters from Tultepec and neighboring towns rushed to the scene, bringing the blaze under control around midnight.
One firefighter suffered minor burns and several residents were treated for smoke inhalation, said Arturo Vilchis, head of Civil Protection for the State of Mexico. He said the cause was still a mystery.
The 2005 fire started when a customer set off a firecracker inside the market. Hundreds of stalls were destroyed and had to be rebuilt. Supposedly the new stalls were safer.
Mexico celebrates its independence from Spain on Sept. 15.