On Friday night, flames once again consumed the Hershey Ranchón, located in the Versalles neighborhood of Matanzas, while the area was experiencing a power outage. This marks the second fire at this location in under three years, sparking suspicions among local residents.
Images circulating on social media reveal towering flames and thick smoke rising from the ranchón as concerned neighbors watched. A Facebook user informed independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada, stating, "I don't know if it was deliberate, but this isn't the first time it's been set on fire." On X, a user confirmed the incident, saying, "They set the Hershey Ranchón in Versalles ablaze," while another witness speculated, "It happened during a blackout, as if it were intentional."
As of now, there is no official word regarding the fire's cause or any potential damage or injuries. However, this latest incident has reignited fears about the frequency of fires at state-run or tourism-linked facilities in Cuba.
The ranchón was previously destroyed by fire in October 2022, also during the early hours. At that time, some witnesses suggested it might have been an intentional act. "It happened on the side where there was no light... it seemed there was no gas, as the firefighters remained calm," recalled a resident who wished to remain anonymous.
Frequent Fires in State-Linked Facilities
Such incidents have become increasingly common in recent years. Between July and October 2022 alone, numerous fires occurred in the island's state-run or military-associated locations. Notable events during this period included a fire at the El Caney cabaret in Minas de Matahambre, Pinar del Río; another at a military recreational center in Cabarroca, Pastorita, in Matanzas; and a third at a ranchón adjoining a military installation in the Wajay, Boyeros, Havana.
In early August that year, a similar incident was reported in Holguín when a state-owned restaurant, Rancho Villa, in the Rafael Freyre municipality, was reduced to ashes amid a blackout. September saw another similar fire at a Havana Club roadside stop along Vía Blanca near Santa Cruz del Norte, Mayabeque, causing significant roof damage.
Many of these fires emerged under suspicious conditions and during power outages. Currently, authorities have yet to comment on the most recent fire at the Hershey Ranchón. The recurrence of such incidents in the same location has heightened concern and speculation among Matanzas residents, who are not ruling out the possibility of arson.
Understanding Fire Incidents in Cuba
What is the significance of the Hershey Ranchón fire?
The fire at the Hershey Ranchón is significant due to its recurrence and the suspicious circumstances underlining it, raising concerns about potential arson and the safety of state-linked facilities in Cuba.
Why are fires in Cuba's state facilities concerning?
Fires in Cuba's state-run facilities are concerning because they may indicate underlying issues such as neglect, sabotage, or systemic failures within the infrastructure, posing risks to public safety and the economy.
How do power outages relate to these fires?
Power outages are often linked to these fires, as they create vulnerable conditions that could be exploited for deliberate acts or lead to accidental ignitions due to compromised safety systems.