A devastating fire destroyed the belongings of an elderly couple in Santiago de Cuba after they attempted to cook using charcoal inside their home. The unfortunate incident was reported on Facebook by Aris Arias Batalla, the Operations and Relief Manager in Santiago de Cuba, who stated that the fire occurred at 11:25 a.m. on Céspedes Avenue, between M and L streets, at number 66.
Juan José Hernández, aged 73, set up a makeshift stove to prepare food just inches away from the bed. According to Arias Batalla's hypothesis, a spark likely leapt from the stove to the mattress, igniting the blaze. Although Hernández and his partner, who live alone in the residence, lost their bed and mattress, neither suffered any injuries.
The photos accompanying the report highlight the extent of the damage in the couple's bedroom. The mattress was completely reduced to ashes, and the small room where the makeshift stove was placed was engulfed in smoke.
Community Reactions and Concerns
In response to the fire, many people expressed their sorrow and concern for how the elderly couple, likely living on a meager pension, would recover from the loss. "What a sad situation for those grandparents, but many blessings to the firefighters, have a happy and blessed day," commented one individual.
Another remarked, "What will happen to those elderly people? Isn't it more costly for the Cuban government to handle these cases than to provide gas to the population to avoid such cooking methods? Think about it. There are many such cases every day."
The Broader Energy Crisis in Cuba
Cooking with charcoal stoves has become the only option for many families in Cuba amid the ongoing fuel crisis, particularly the shortage of gas. The lack of electricity and liquefied gas supply has forced some individuals to set up makeshift stoves in their yards and homes, using wood and charcoal, which poses health and safety risks.
The energy crisis in Cuba severely impacts the ability of families to cook and preserve food due to frequent power outages and a lack of gas. This situation has compelled people to resort to alternative methods, facing high food costs, deteriorating their quality of life, and causing widespread discontent.
Understanding the Energy Crisis in Cuba
Why are Cuban families resorting to charcoal stoves?
Due to the severe fuel crisis in Cuba, many families have no choice but to use charcoal stoves for cooking, as there is a significant shortage of gas and electricity.
What are the risks of using charcoal stoves indoors?
Using charcoal stoves indoors can lead to fire hazards and health risks from smoke inhalation, as seen in the recent fire incident in Santiago de Cuba.
How does the energy crisis affect daily life in Cuba?
The energy crisis affects daily life by limiting the ability to cook and preserve food, increasing the cost of living, and causing frequent power outages that disrupt everyday activities.