A blaze that erupted on Tuesday night in Mayabeque province posed a significant threat to both the electrical and telecommunications infrastructure along the highway connecting Batabanó to Camacho. The incident occurred in the area known as Parqueo 13 de Marzo, necessitating an urgent response from the Fire Department, along with crews from the Telecommunications Company ETECSA and representatives from the Municipal Base Business Unit (UEB).
Thanks to the swift action by these entities, the fire was contained before it could cause extensive damage to the poles supporting the power lines and communication networks in the vicinity. However, the Electric Company of Mayabeque did not disclose the fire's origin or any potential service disruptions in nearby areas, nor did they rule out the possibility of sabotage or a civil protest.
This incident follows a recent fire at the Hershey Ranch in Matanzas, which has stirred concern among local residents. This marks the second fire at the same site within three years. Occurring during a blackout, images of the blaze showed intense flames, leading some residents to suspect intentional foul play. Statements like “it happened during a blackout, as if done on purpose” reflect the growing suspicion among the community.
Prior to this, another fire was reported at the El Cayuelo recreational center in the Primero de Enero municipality, Ciego de Ávila. This event also took place during a power outage, prompting neighbors to respond with buckets of water until firefighters arrived. This too was speculated to be a deliberate act of protest, heightening concerns about increasing insecurity in these areas.
In response to such incidents, the Cuban regime has intensified penalties for crimes affecting energy and railway infrastructure. The new measure, announced on Thursday, expands the legal definition of sabotage and complements previous regulations that already warned about the severe consequences of these offenses.
Understanding the Recent Fires in Cuba
What caused the fire in Mayabeque?
The Electric Company of Mayabeque has not released details about the cause of the fire, leaving open the possibility of it being an act of sabotage or civil protest.
How did the community respond to the fire at El Cayuelo?
Residents quickly responded with buckets of water to manage the flames until the arrival of the fire department, highlighting a community effort to control the situation.
What measures is the Cuban government taking in response to these fires?
The government has announced stricter penalties for crimes targeting energy and railway infrastructure, expanding the definition of sabotage to include such acts.