A fire ignited Saturday afternoon in the waste disposal area of the Focsa Building, located at 17 and L in the Plaza de la Revolución municipality, Rampa Popular Council, Havana. This incident was reported by the Plaza de la Revolución Municipal Administration Council on their Facebook page.
According to the official report, the swift response from the building's staff and firefighters prevented any material damage or injuries. Local authorities promptly arrived on the scene to assist in the complete extinguishment of the blaze.
The statement highlighted the rapid arrival of Popular Council and territorial authorities, who worked diligently to control and fully extinguish the fire.
In a later update, it was clarified that the fire was contained to the basement area, specifically in the building's solid waste storage section. The official publication stressed that timely intervention prevented more severe consequences, reiterating that there were no reports of property damage or injuries.
Authorities remained on-site alongside government and Popular Council representatives, engaging in discussions with "stakeholders" and some local residents.
Concerns Over Waste Burning in Havana
Social media has seen multiple complaints about waste burning in Havana. This week, residents of Lawton neighborhood raised alarms about garbage being burned in residential zones due to a fuel shortage hindering transportation to dumps.
Reports shared online suggest that workers from a Communal Services base have been burning waste on-site, creating thick smoke that affected nearby homes, especially impacting children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues.
Locals have questioned the legality and health risks of burning trash in urban areas, amidst growing waste accumulation and deteriorating public services in the capital.
Two days later, another alert surfaced about a dump fire in the Metropolitan Park of Havana, in the Plaza de la Revolución municipality, just 50 meters from the Clínico Quirúrgico Hospital at 26.
Music producer Laura Martín Nieto warned that the smoke was visibly causing respiratory issues among residents, although the environmental impact of burning solid waste remains unknown.
This incident is one of many citizen reports of micro-dumps being set on fire across the city, a practice that heightens public health risks and underscores ongoing challenges in waste management.
Frequently Asked Questions on Waste Management and Public Health in Havana
What caused the fire in the Focsa Building?
The fire originated in the waste disposal area of the building's basement, specifically in the solid waste storage section.
Were there any injuries or damages reported from the Focsa Building fire?
No injuries or material damages were reported due to the quick response of the building staff and firefighters.
Why is waste burning a concern in Havana?
Waste burning poses health risks, particularly respiratory issues, and is a symptom of inadequate waste management and public service deterioration in Havana.