Multiple Homes Catch Fire in Santiago de Cuba

On Friday, several homes in Santiago de Cuba were engulfed in flames after a fire ignited in the backyard of one of the affected properties. Aris Arias Batalla, the head of Operations and Relief in Santiago de Cuba, reported that the blaze began in the backyard of a house on San Basilio and Padre Pico. It quickly spread to another property located on Santa Lucía, between Padre Pico and Callejón Santiago, #103.

According to the details provided, a garbage pile ignited by the wind in the first property's backyard fueled the fire, which then extended to the kitchen of the house and the second floor of another residence. The second home, located in Santa Lucía, suffered "considerable damage" particularly in the kitchen area, where the gas cylinder and other accessories were completely destroyed. The initial residence affected sustained only minor damages.

Fortunately, no fatalities or injuries have been reported from the incident. "Quick action by the neighbors prevented further damage before the specialized forces of the Fire Department arrived. The smoke column was visible from our location at the Tívoli Fair, where residents came to inform us," Arias remarked. The images shared by Arias depict the extent of the devastation, showing kitchen utensils rendered utterly useless.

In late March, another destructive fire completely consumed a home in the center of Santiago de Cuba on Calle Moncada, between Maceo and San Mateo, where residents lost all their belongings. It is suspected that the fire originated from a short circuit, although the precise cause remains unknown. The house was unoccupied at the time as its owners, including musician Damián Busqueta Mineto Tmt, were staying elsewhere. While there were no casualties, the fire obliterated items of significant sentimental and professional value to the artist, including his piano, musical instruments, scores, and other career-related documents.