A fire broke out on Tuesday night in a building located in the Bahía neighborhood of Eastern Havana, as residents resorted to cooking with wood during a power outage, according to information shared by activist Lara Crofs on Facebook.
The blaze ignited around 7:00 pm in an apartment on the third floor of building 19, situated on 13th Street.
As reported, the fire started amid an electricity service interruption, pushing the building's occupants to use wood as an alternative to prepare meals in the absence of power.
Firefighters responded swiftly to the scene, despite challenges posed by the darkness, working diligently to contain the flames and prevent them from spreading to other homes.
As of the report's release, there were no injuries reported, although the affected apartment did suffer material damage.
Beyond this specific incident, the event underscores the broader context in which such emergencies arise.
The combination of extended power outages, homes not equipped for the use of makeshift fuels, and a lack of safe cooking options creates a high-risk scenario for thousands of families in the capital and across the country.
In many residences, the ongoing interruption of electrical service forces people to rely on rudimentary and hazardous methods to meet basic needs like cooking.
The fire in building 19 of the Bahía neighborhood adds to a series of similar occurrences amid Cuba's ongoing energy crisis, where power cuts last for hours and sometimes even days.
These incidents highlight a reality where the population is compelled to adapt as best as they can, even when this means exposing themselves to avoidable domestic accidents under normal conditions.
Although this particular case resulted in no casualties, it serves as a stark reminder of the everyday risks faced by many families and the urgent need for structural solutions to prevent power outages from leading to fires, material losses, and potential human tragedies.
Understanding the Risks of Power Outages in Cuba
What caused the fire in the Bahía neighborhood building?
The fire was caused by residents cooking with wood during a power outage, which led to a blaze in the apartment.
How do power outages affect daily life in Cuba?
Frequent power outages force residents to use hazardous methods like cooking with wood, increasing the risk of fires and other accidents.
What measures can prevent such incidents in the future?
Implementing structural solutions to ensure reliable electricity and safe cooking alternatives can help prevent similar incidents.