A fire erupted at a garbage collection point in the Armada community council of Cerro, a district in Havana, causing alarm among residents who fear the blaze might spread to other unhealthy areas of the neighborhood. A Facebook user, Mario Hui, reported that the trash container was deliberately set on fire in a public street, highlighting a worrisome trend of intentional fires. Between June and July 2025 alone, at least eight containers have been affected in this part of the capital.
The underlying issue stems from increasing unsanitary conditions, with the government taking little to no action. This neglect has left residents grappling with unbearable living conditions due to the stench and a surge in pests like rats, flies, mosquitoes, and cockroaches. When fires are set, they not only destroy some of the waste and pests but also prompt authorities to respond. However, these fires pose a significant risk to nearby homes and residents.
Currently, the individuals responsible for the fire in Cerro remain unidentified, and there has been no effective response from the authorities. The problem of trash fires is not limited to Havana.
Garbage Fires: A Nationwide Issue
This issue has permeated throughout the country. In Santiago de Cuba, Aris Arias Batallas, vice president of the Provincial Association of Volunteer Firefighters of Cuba, issued a stern warning on social media about the escalating risk of fires in urban dumps. He refrained from going into detail to avoid offending professionals but urged immediate action to prevent the city from becoming a metaphorical 'Bayamo' due to frequent fires rather than its beautiful carriages and historical monuments.
On a single day, firefighters responded to three fires within less than two hours, all located near homes, power poles, and state facilities. Arias Batallas emphasized the economic, health, and social damages resulting from this predicament.
The persistent accumulation of trash on streets and corners, combined with delayed collection services, is turning many Cuban neighborhoods into constant hazard zones. Although authorities have requested that citizens be more disciplined in waste disposal, the governmental response has been inadequate in halting the degradation of urban environments.
Understanding the Garbage Fire Crisis in Cuba
What triggered the garbage fire in Havana's Cerro district?
The fire was reportedly set on purpose as part of a growing pattern of intentional fires in response to increased unsanitary conditions and government inaction.
Why are residents setting garbage on fire?
Residents are resorting to burning garbage due to unbearable living conditions caused by foul odors and pest infestations, which are exacerbated by insufficient governmental waste management.
What are the risks of these garbage fires?
These fires pose significant dangers to nearby homes and residents, as they can easily spread and cause further damage to properties and public safety.