This past Wednesday, a massive fire ravaged at least three homes in Manzanillo, located in Granma province. According to local outlet Radio Granma's Facebook updates, the blaze occurred on Villuendas Street, nestled between San Silvestre and Caridad, where the flames engulfed several occupied structures. The state-run broadcaster did not specify if there were any casualties or disclose what sparked the fire.
However, state journalist José Ortiz Benet confirmed via Facebook that while the cause of the fire remains unknown, fortunately, there were no human casualties, although material damage did occur. He also noted the active cooperation between neighbors and firefighters in battling the blaze.
Although official reports have yet to identify the fire's cause, some online users speculate it might be linked to the use of rudimentary cooking methods—such as charcoal and wood—that many families in the energy-stricken eastern region of Cuba rely on. Tomas Luis Del Arco commented, "Obviously, this is because people are cooking with charcoal and other substances, images of a country in decline and a once-thriving municipality." Similarly, Yoandris Atencio expressed, "Oh yes, how sad! My town, without electricity for over 20 hours a day, cooking with wood and charcoal in the 21st century, and on top of that, losing everything."
In the midst of Cuba's severe energy crisis, countless families have been compelled to resort to cooking with wood and charcoal, escalating the risk of household fires. This predicament has led to several incidents tied to the use of these makeshift cooking methods under unsafe conditions.
A recent example took place in Santiago de Cuba, where a fire engulfed an apartment after a pot was left on during a power outage. Although there were no casualties, the flames consumed the home, highlighting the vulnerability of those who, without reliable electricity access, are forced to cook in hazardous situations.
Just a few months prior, another fire broke out in a multi-family building in the Alamar neighborhood of Havana during a massive blackout. The material losses were substantial, and once again, the causes pointed to the use of alternative cooking sources due to the lack of electrical supply.
Understanding the Risks of Alternative Cooking Methods in Cuba
What sparked the fire in Manzanillo?
The exact cause of the Manzanillo fire remains undetermined. However, some speculate it might be related to the use of charcoal and wood for cooking due to the ongoing energy crisis.
Were there any casualties from the Manzanillo fire?
Fortunately, there were no reported human casualties in the Manzanillo fire, though material damage was incurred.
What are the risks of using alternative cooking methods in Cuba?
Using alternative cooking methods like charcoal and wood, especially in the absence of reliable electricity, increases the risk of household fires and can lead to significant property damage.