An explosion ignited a fire on Wednesday in a home located at the intersection of San Juan de Dios, Tirry, and San Diego streets in Matanzas, as reported by the state-run Periódico Girón. Although no injuries were reported, the blaze resulted in significant property damage. "Several fire squads are currently battling the flames," Girón announced on social media, noting that the fire did not spread to other homes due to the swift action of emergency teams.
The authorities initially indicated that the explosion of an electric plant caused the incident, though they emphasized that investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause. Dailanny Rodríguez Doval, the Vice President of the Municipal Assembly of People's Power, visited the site to assess the causes and the damage inflicted by the intense flames, as reported by the local media.
Orelvis Martínez, a resident of the affected home, described how quickly the equipment caught fire but confirmed that no family members were injured. She expressed sorrow over the loss of belongings, highlighting that the damages complicate the situation for her and the other household members, especially since children with special needs reside there.
Community members rallied to support the victims, as the multifamily residence housed both children and elderly individuals. Some neighbors noted that the fire's intensity was particularly destructive on the upper floor of the house.
Recurring Fire Incidents Raise Concerns
In February 2025, firefighters extinguished a blaze at the Hershey train station ranch in Matanzas during a blackout. Although there were no casualties, the incident reminded locals of a similar fire in 2022, fueling suspicions about a potential deliberate cause. Months later, another fire engulfed the Hershey Ranch in the Versalles neighborhood, again during a power outage. The repeated incidents at the same site have alarmed the local population, who suspect intentional acts.
In July, a fire in the Jovellanos municipality of Matanzas affected three homes, completely destroying two and partially damaging a third. While no injuries occurred, the material losses were substantial, shocking the community. That same month in Guantánamo, firefighters averted a disaster following a fire caused by an electric motor in a home's access hallway. Official reports suggested that a poorly repaired battery might have sparked the fire, underscoring the dangers linked to informal maintenance of such equipment.
This Wednesday, September 10, following a national electrical collapse that left Cuba without power, Energás units in Matanzas were synchronized in efforts to stabilize the electrical system. This event highlights once again the deteriorating energy infrastructure and its connection to the frequent fires and explosions across various provinces.
Frequent Fires and Explosions in Cuba: Key Questions
What caused the recent fire in Matanzas?
The recent fire in Matanzas was reportedly caused by the explosion of an electric plant, although investigations are ongoing to confirm the exact cause.
Are there any recurring concerns about fires in Matanzas?
Yes, there have been several incidents, including repeated fires at the Hershey train station ranch, raising suspicions of potential deliberate causes.
How is the local community reacting to these incidents?
The local community has expressed concern about the recurring fires, with some residents suspecting intentional acts behind these incidents.