The Cuban government has disclosed that the fire which broke out on Friday afternoon at the Ñico López Refinery in Havana originated in a storage facility housing an obsolete additive product.
State-affiliated reporter Lázaro Manuel Alonso has reported that officials confirmed the blaze did not extend to other areas and is now under control.
The incident, which occurred slightly after 3:00 p.m., was explained by the refinery's director, Maikel David Cabrera Estrada, who confirmed that the flames did not reach the fuel storage tanks.
According to the report, the plant is still operational, and there were no casualties or injuries resulting from the fire.
Firefighters from the refinery, along with additional support from various Havana fire brigades, were involved in extinguishing the flames, the report noted.
Initial reports of the incident surfaced on social media from the Regla municipality, where residents observed thick smoke over the Havana Bay area and identified the refinery as the suspected source, noting the arrival of fire units at the scene.
At that early stage, there was no official confirmation from CUPET or other authorities regarding the smoke's origin, the cause of the incident, or the extent of any potential damage.
Images shared on social media showed the fire occurred near the refinery's fuel tanks, raising alarms among Havana residents.
This incident reignites discussions on industrial safety within Cuba's energy sector.
Even though officials from the Ministry of Energy and Mines confirmed the fire was contained with no human losses, the event adds to a series of similar occurrences at strategic sites across the nation in recent years.
In May 2022, a "incipient fire" affected a warehouse at the Guaicanamar Convention Center, located close to the Ñico López Refinery.
At that time, swift action by the Fire Department prevented the flames from spreading, and the fire was extinguished without injuries. However, the incident caused unease among local residents due to the proximity of fuel tanks and other high-risk structures.
These recurring events highlight the ongoing challenges faced by Cuban energy infrastructure, largely due to deterioration.
Understanding the Ñico López Refinery Fire Incident
What caused the fire at the Ñico López Refinery?
The fire originated in a warehouse storing an obsolete additive product.
Were there any casualties or injuries from the fire?
No, there were no reported casualties or injuries as a result of the fire.
How was the fire at the refinery controlled?
Firefighters from the refinery and various brigades from Havana worked together to contain and extinguish the fire.
Why does this incident raise concerns about industrial safety?
The incident raises concerns due to its proximity to fuel tanks and is part of a series of similar events at crucial sites, highlighting safety issues within the energy sector.