An accidental fire broke out at the Clinical-Surgical Teaching Hospital October 10 in Havana on Wednesday morning, according to the hospital's official communication. The incident occurred shortly after 11:00 a.m. in the green area adjacent to Agua Dulce Street. It is believed that an unknown individual discarded a cigarette butt, which caused the fire.
The blaze was swiftly contained in under 15 minutes, thanks to a "human chain" comprised of hospital staff, including nurses, doctors, administrative personnel, technicians, and service workers. The area was reportedly being cleared of overgrowth when the fire ignited.
During the incident, a nearby school evacuated students and staff but resumed normal activities shortly after. The hospital also returned to its routine operations following the event. The fire originated in an area being maintained as part of the hospital's regular green space hygiene procedures.
Fortunately, the fire did not result in long-term disruptions to the hospital’s services, and no patient care areas were significantly affected. The institution confirmed that operations are now running smoothly.
Havana has experienced several fires in recent months. In August, residents of Central Havana resorted to burning a trash heap in frustration over the government's failure to collect accumulated waste. The fire authorities have cautioned about the increasing fire risks in urban micro-dumps and urged preventive measures. However, the government's lack of effective action and inadequate waste collection have continued to exacerbate the issue.
In July, another fire in Central Havana was sparked by a child playing with matches. While there were no fatalities, three rooms suffered material damage. Municipal authorities assessed the damage to affected families and provided assistance. The prompt response of the firefighting teams helped minimize the fire's impact.
Frequently Asked Questions about Recent Fires in Havana
What caused the fire at the "La Dependiente" Hospital in Havana?
The fire at the "La Dependiente" Hospital was believed to have been started by a discarded cigarette butt in the green area adjacent to the hospital.
How was the fire at the hospital controlled?
The fire was quickly controlled in less than 15 minutes by a "human chain" of hospital workers, including nurses, doctors, and other staff.
What actions have authorities taken regarding the recent fires in Havana?
Fire authorities have warned about the growing fire risks in urban areas and urged preventive measures, but effective government action and waste collection remain insufficient.
Were there any casualties or significant damage from the recent fires?
Fortunately, there were no casualties reported from the recent fires, although there was material damage in certain instances, such as the fire started by a child in Central Havana.