Wildfire Near Moa Diesel Electric Plant Puts Authorities on High Alert

A wildfire broke out on Monday night near the Moa Diesel Electric Plant, commonly referred to as "Fuel Oil Group," located in the Moa municipality of Holguín province, as reported by the Ahora newspaper.

The publication detailed that the blaze was reported around 10 PM on March 23, situated approximately 500 meters north of the facility, heading towards the coast. The fire engulfed charrascales and shrubland endemic to Cuba's eastern region, which are particularly susceptible to flames during drought periods.

Emergency teams from Fire Command 30, the rescue group from the Pedro Sotto Alba Factory, and the plant's own firefighting brigade were on high alert to monitor the situation. Local authorities were present at the scene, and at the time of the report, the fire did not pose a direct threat to the power plant.

The Importance of Moa Diesel Electric Plant

The Moa Diesel Electric Plant stands as Cuba's largest of its kind. Since its inauguration in February 2015, following an investment exceeding 300 million pesos, it has been equipped with 10 diesel engines and an installed capacity of 184 megawatts. It supplies power to the nickel industry in the region and the municipalities of Moa and Baracoa.

The plant's infrastructure includes a 12-kilometer pipeline to the Moa port and two fuel storage tanks, each capable of holding 12,000 cubic meters. This proximity to potential fires presents a significant hazard.

Past Incidents and Ongoing Risks

This is not the first time the facility has faced such threats. On May 8, 2023, a major fire impacted the vicinity of the plant, destroying a 110 kV transmission line without damaging the power-generating equipment. The fire reignited the next day in nearby areas, about 1,000 meters from the plant, keeping authorities on high alert for days. Major Ernesto William Caballero Batista described the incident as highly dangerous due to its closeness to the fuel oil tanks and strong winds complicating efforts to contain the flames.

The current timing of the fire is particularly critical for the region. Moa and Holguín are experiencing power outages lasting up to 15 hours a day in 2026, with the National Electric System facing a deficit of up to 2,000 megawatts. Any harm to the Moa Diesel Plant could have immediate and significant repercussions for both local residents and the nickel industry, a vital economic sector for the country.

Nationwide, the situation adds to the concern. Forest Rangers predict an exceptionally active wildfire season, with 85 to 112 fires expected in Pinar del Río alone between January and May 2026, potentially affecting around 4,000 hectares across the nation. By February of this year, 17 fires had already been reported, impacting 130.61 hectares nationally.