A fire reported on Monday in the municipality of Güira de Melena, Artemisa province, caused moments of panic among residents and forced the evacuation of patients from a maternity home located opposite the site of the incident.
The activist Idelisa Diasniurka Salcedo Verdecia shared images on social media showing a fire truck and a crowd of people watching the scene. According to her account, the situation necessitated the urgent evacuation of pregnant women and healthcare personnel as the fire spread.
In comments on the post, Laly Curbelo, a local resident, explained that the fire occurred in front of the maternity ward and that the strong wind was fueling the flames.
“We were very scared… but thankfully, it went to the back of the house and there was no damage”, she recounted, expressing gratitude that no one was injured.
However, it was reported that the fire truck arrived without water, despite the fact that the community had been without this service or electricity for 12 hours, which complicated the response.
This incident in Güira de Melena adds to a series of recent fires that have raised concern in various provinces.
In San Luis, Santiago de Cuba, a fire in a house ended with a neighbor suffering third-degree burns and an injured firefighter, following an explosion caused by the combination of gasoline and a lit stove.
In Holguín, a fire destroyed the home of two women, killed their pet, and sparked criticism from neighbors because, according to witnesses, the firefighters arrived three hours later after the alert.
In Sancti Spíritus, a fire alarm at the historic Parish Church, caused by the explosion of lithium batteries, created panic among parishioners and residents, although it did not result in structural damage.
The recurrence of these incidents and the deficiencies in the response, such as the lack of water, delays from the firefighters, or the shortage of resources, fuel public concern.
In places like Güira de Melena, the memory of the smoke, the sirens, and the evacuation of pregnant women will remain as another episode in the daily struggle against emergencies that could be less dangerous with proper infrastructure.
Frequently asked questions about recent fires in Cuba
What happened in the fire in Güira de Melena?
The fire in Güira de Melena caused moments of panic and the evacuation of a maternity home. Residents were alarmed as flames spread, driven by strong winds. Although the fire truck arrived without water, no injuries were reported. This incident adds to a series of recent fires on the island that have heightened public concern about emergency response.
What is the situation of firefighters in Cuba in the face of these recurring fires?
In several recent incidents, the lack of resources and delays in the arrival of firefighters have been reported. In Güira de Melena, the truck arrived without water, while in Holguín it took three hours to reach the scene of the disaster. These situations highlight the deficiencies in infrastructure and preparedness to handle emergencies on the island.
Why have fires related to electric scooters increased in Cuba?
The increase in fires caused by electric scooters is due to faulty batteries and overloads. The lack of clear regulations and certified spare parts forces users to improvise, which heightens the risks. Furthermore, the energy crisis and the scarcity of public transportation make the use of scooters essential, increasing the danger of these incidents.
How is the Cuban community responding to these fires?
The Cuban community has shown great solidarity in response to the fires, organizing aid campaigns and collecting supplies for those affected. Civil society has taken an active role, often responding more quickly and effectively than state institutions, demonstrating a strong sense of unity and community support.
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