A schoolteacher suffered the devastating loss of her home to a fire on Monday while she was teaching students in Santiago de Cuba. Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were reported as a result of the blaze.
The fire ravaged the modest home of Cliuvis Premier Rodríguez, located at Calle 8, between A and B, number 18, in the Municipal neighborhood of Santiago de Cuba. Aris Arias Batalla, vice president of the Volunteer Firefighters Association of Cuba, shared the details on Facebook.
At the time of the fire, the educator was at the Semi-boarding School Lidia Doce Sánchez. Expressing her grief, Premier stated to Arias, "I've lost everything." Photos posted by Arias highlighted the destruction left by the fire, which consumed the house entirely. Premier was left with only the clothes she wore when she left home that morning. Thankfully, no injuries or casualties were reported.
Initial investigations suggest that the fire might have been triggered by a short circuit in the main line or secondary branches. Specialists from the Ministry of the Interior (MININT) are currently investigating the cause.
The blaze was extinguished by firefighters from Commands 1 (Martí) and 4 (Vista Alegre), with assistance from the Electric Company, Santiago Water Truck, Traffic Motorized Unit, National Revolutionary Police, and the Red Cross.
Arias shared Premier's personal details and called for solidarity, clarifying that this initiative is personal and not government-sponsored. Those wishing to offer direct support can contact her at phone number 58322277 or visit her residence at Calle 8, between A and B, number 18, Municipal neighborhood, Santiago de Cuba.
Just last Saturday, another fire affected the home of an elderly couple in Santiago de Cuba. The incident occurred while they were trying to cook with charcoal indoors. A spark from a stove reached the mattress, igniting a fire that destroyed the bed and several belongings. Fortunately, both residents, Juan José Hernández, 73, and Norma Echavarría, 83, escaped unharmed.
This situation highlights the ongoing dangerous conditions faced by many Cuban families, who are forced to use alternative cooking methods due to the lack of liquefied gas and electricity.
On Sunday, the same case gained more attention on social media, showing the elderly couple sleeping on makeshift cots. Many have interpreted the episode as a stark representation of the precarious living conditions for the elderly in Cuba, who struggle to survive on minimal pensions without adequate institutional support during emergencies.
Understanding Fire Incidents in Santiago de Cuba
What caused the fire at Cliuvis Premier Rodríguez's home?
The fire is believed to have been caused by a short circuit in the main line or secondary branches, although the exact cause is still under investigation by specialists from the Ministry of the Interior.
Were there any injuries or fatalities in the fire?
Thankfully, there were no injuries or fatalities reported as a result of the fire at Premier's home.
How are fire incidents typically managed in Santiago de Cuba?
Fire incidents in Santiago de Cuba are managed by local firefighter commands, often with support from various services including the Electric Company, water services, police, and the Red Cross.