A medium-sized fire erupted on Wednesday night in San Luis, a municipality in Santiago de Cuba, leaving a local resident with third-degree burns and a firefighter with minor injuries. Aris Arias Batalla, who oversees Operations and Relief in Santiago de Cuba, reported on Facebook that the fire broke out around 7:49 p.m. Initially, the blaze was contained by nearby residents.
However, a second explosion occurred once firefighters entered the premises, unaware of a gasoline container and a lit stove inside. This resurgence of flames inflicted severe burns on one resident and caused minor hand injuries to a firefighter due to steam exposure. Although the fire was eventually extinguished, it resulted in damage to kitchen equipment.
Rafael Edgardo Gonzáles, the former head of Operations and Relief for the Red Cross in the region, expressed gratitude to the neighbors for their assistance but cautioned against intervening in such situations without proper knowledge due to potential hazards. He also praised the efforts of CUPET employees who aided by using fire extinguishers.
The fire took place near the intersection of Martí and Agramonte streets, close to Plaza Roja. Arias commended local residents, including Tito, Edi, and Julio, the latter still recovering from his injuries, for their help during the emergency.
Recent Fire Incidents Highlight Risks in Cuban Homes
Recent incidents have highlighted the dangers associated with fires in Cuban homes, often exacerbated by power outages, faulty batteries, and delayed emergency responses. In Santiago de Cuba, a young man tragically died while attempting to save his family from a fire. The blaze was ignited by a candle placed too close to gasoline during the night. Although he managed to rescue his mother and wife, he couldn't escape himself.
In Camagüey, an explosion involving electric scooter batteries led to a fire that claimed a life. The scooters were charging indoors during a blackout, and the explosion occurred when power was restored. Residents criticized the slow response of firefighters and the lack of water, which worsened the situation.
Meanwhile, in Guantánamo, a fire caused by an electric motor was successfully managed by firefighters, preventing any casualties. Unfortunately, the motor was destroyed, and it is suspected that a recently repaired battery was to blame. Authorities are warning about the dangers of informal repairs and inadequate electrical systems.
In Havana, a fire completely engulfed a multi-family building in Vedado. The flames, visible from various parts of the city, caused significant alarm among residents. Although there were no fatalities, the property damage was extensive.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fire Hazards in Cuba
What caused the fire in San Luis, Santiago de Cuba?
The fire in San Luis was initially controlled by residents but reignited due to a gasoline container and a lit stove that went unnoticed by firefighters.
How did the fire in Camagüey start?
The fire in Camagüey was sparked by an explosion of electric scooter batteries that were charging inside during a power outage, which ignited when electricity was restored.
What are the common causes of fires in Cuban homes?
Common causes include power outages, defective batteries, and inadequate emergency responses. Informal repairs and poor electrical systems also contribute significantly.