This past Sunday, a fire broke out in a building located on I Street in the town of Santa Marta, Cárdenas municipality, Matanzas province. The incident was reported live by journalist Christian Arbolaez on Facebook.
Firefighters and workers from the Electrical Company were quick to respond, managing to control and extinguish the blaze without any reported injuries.
According to gathered information, the fire began at the electrical panel situated in the building's stairwell. Firefighters successfully prevented the flames from spreading to other parts of the structure.
Community Reaction and Eyewitness Accounts
Residents in the area confirmed the events on social media. A neighbor commented, "Right behind my house. I called my parents, and the firefighters are there now," in response to the post.
Another local noted that the fire "started in the breaker, apparently due to a short circuit," while a third person recalled smelling "burning wires" prior to the incident.
Ongoing Concerns and Impact
The online response was immediate. "What a scare, oh my God," expressed one resident, while others sought the precise location of the affected building, which was clarified as I Street heading towards La Herradura.
Although the fire was contained, concerns linger among those impacted. Eight families might be left without the minimal electricity they had as repairs are made to the damaged infrastructure, according to Arbolaez.
"In the midst of the current hardships, losing even the little electricity they have is another blow for those living in that building," Arbolaez warned in his report.
Context of Increasing Fires in Cuba
This incident occurs amid a rising trend of fires in Cuban buildings and homes, linked to the deterioration of electrical systems and the severe energy crisis plaguing the country.
Prolonged power outages and sudden restorations of supply are causing overloads in already compromised systems.
Earlier this year, in January, a fire affected the Galiano 201 building in Central Havana, and in February, two fires in a single night shook buildings in Old Havana and Central Havana, both related to electrical failures.
Santa Marta, a town of approximately 12,000 residents located along the road to Varadero, is additionally facing a particularly challenging day: in the early hours of the same Sunday, thieves stole solar batteries from the town's Maternity Home while five pregnant women were inside.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fire Safety in Cuba
What caused the fire in Santa Marta?
The fire in Santa Marta was caused by a short circuit in the electrical panel located in the building's stairwell.
How did the community respond to the fire incident?
Residents quickly took to social media to confirm the incident and express their concerns, with immediate reactions indicating fear and a call for clarification on the building's location.
What is contributing to the increase in fires across Cuba?
The increase in fires is attributed to the deteriorating electrical infrastructure and the ongoing energy crisis, which leads to overloading of systems during power outages and sudden restorations.