**Pharmacy Fire on Las Ferias Avenue in Tijuana**
In a concerning incident on December 30, 2024, two individuals set fire to the façade of Sofia Pharmacy, located in the Hipódromo Plaza on Las Ferias Avenue in Tijuana. According to eyewitness accounts and surveillance footage, the suspects doused the exterior of the store with gasoline before igniting it and fleeing the scene. The fire started at 7:31 PM and was promptly extinguished by neighboring merchants using fire extinguishers. Firefighters arrived to ensure the flames were completely out, while police collected initial reports indicating some witnesses observed the use of Molotov cocktails.
This recent arson incident reminded local shop owners of a similar fire at a fashion boutique about a kilometer away on Boulevard Las Américas, which took place last February. That incident followed a series of fires targeting vape shops across different neighborhoods in Tijuana. Despite these incidents, prosecutor MarÃa Elena Andrade RamÃrez previously stated that these were not linked to extortion rackets targeting Tijuana’s merchants.
This year, the National Chamber of Commerce in Tijuana has documented nine fires targeting businesses and thirteen involving cargo trucks, leading to two fatalities from another fire on February 20 in La Mesa neighborhood.
**Secondary Article: Rising Number of Arson Cases in Tijuana Sparks Security Concerns**
As reported by multiple sources, Tijuana has been experiencing an alarming trend of arson attacks throughout 2024. The recent fire at Sofia Pharmacy is just one of several targeting local businesses in the city, raising fears among business owners regarding their safety and security.
The pervasive nature of these attacks has prompted some business associations to demand increased police presence and faster response times. Meanwhile, Tijuana authorities are urged to address the root causes of these incidents and assure residents and business owners of improved security measures.
The rise in such violence and intimidation tactics has also brought attention to the potential of organized crime involvement, though definitive links remain under investigation.
Tijuana faces growing pressure to tackle these security challenges to protect its commercial infrastructure and residents’ livelihoods. As the year draws to a close, the local community calls for a concerted effort to ensure a safer environment for all.