Massive Night Fire Erupts Near Mexico City Market Sending Flames And Smoke Into Sky

Video recorded by X user Blass captures a dramatic nighttime fire burning in streets near the Mercado de la Merced. The caption reads: “A fire is reported in streets near the La Merced market CDMX”.

The shaky handheld footage, filmed from an elevated position above rooftops, buildings, and trees, shows intense orange flames surging violently in the midground.

A dense plume of thick black smoke rises high into the night sky as the fire spreads. Bright lens flares from streetlights and emergency vehicles streak across the frame while the camera pans to follow the blaze.

Surrounding buildings and distant city lights are visible under the glow of the fire.

The fire began around 10:00 p.m. on April 21, 2026, in semi-fixed street stalls along Rosario, Adolfo Gurrión, and Cabaña streets, near the Mercado de Sonora and Mercado de la Merced in the Venustiano Carranza borough.

The blaze was fueled by highly flammable party supplies, decorations, and fireworks materials. It spread rapidly, destroying around 50 stalls and affecting three to four nearby buildings. Explosions were reported during the fire due to fireworks and other materials.

Firefighters, police, and civil protection teams worked through the night. By early morning on April 22, the fire was between 65 and 80 percent contained.

Authorities closed surrounding streets, including Fray Servando Teresa de Mier, to allow emergency access.

Around 200 people were evacuated as a precaution. No deaths were reported, though some minor burn injuries occurred.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.