Increase in Electric Motorcycle Fires in Cuba: Firefighter Explains How to Prevent Home Tragedies

The rise in fires related to electric motorcycles in Cuba has raised concerns among both the population and authorities, who attribute these incidents to the improper use of equipment by citizens, though this is also influenced by the limited availability of spare parts.

Negligence in the use of batteries, inadequate repairs, and a lack of attention to safety regulations are among the main causes of these incidents, as explained by Lieutenant Colonel Jorge García Arbelo, head of the Technical Fire Prevention Unit of the Villa Clara Fire Department, in an interview granted and published on Facebook by journalist Henry Omar Pérez.

García explained that many users disregard the manufacturer's instructions when charging the batteries of their scooters.

One of the most common and dangerous practices is connecting the batteries to the power supply immediately after use, without allowing a cooling period of at least 30 minutes.

Furthermore, it is common for batteries to remain charging throughout the night, exceeding the recommended 7 to 8 hours, which significantly increases the risk of overheating and, consequently, fires, the firefighter emphasized.

The specialist also pointed out that the use of long or damaged electrical extensions, the prolonged exposure of batteries to sunlight, and contact with water are additional factors that contribute to this type of accidents.

Informal repairs in unauthorized workshops pose another serious risk, as they often remove the safety systems from batteries, leaving them vulnerable to catastrophic failures; in contrast, the Cuban regime has not established the necessary infrastructure for people to access more reliable services.

The fire chief emphasized the importance of charging electric motorcycles in well-ventilated areas away from flammable materials, such as gas cylinders, and warned about the dangers of doing so in rooms where people sleep.

In the event of a fire, he advised against trying to extinguish the battery with water, as lithium reacts dangerously when in contact with this liquid. If conditions allow, he suggested moving the equipment to a safe area to prevent the spread of the fire.

The climatic conditions of Cuba, characterized by high temperatures and humidity, also influence the incidence of fires in lithium batteries.

García urged to review the manufacturer's documentation when purchasing motorcycles and batteries, and to ensure that they are original and suitable for the local climate.

The increase in these incidents has prompted authorities to intensify calls for prevention.

According to García, adhering to the recommended safety standards not only protects users' assets but can also save lives in critical situations.

To get an idea of the magnitude of the problem, it is enough to know that, for example, last Sunday, a large fire broke out in a common garage in the Manuelita neighborhood, in the city of Santa Clara, Villa Clara province.

According to preliminary reports, the fire was apparently caused by an electric motor located at the site, which resulted in a rapid spread of flames to other parked vehicles, including a Lada, a motorcycle, and two cars commonly referred to in Cuba as "almendrones."

The next day, five electric motorcycles were completely destroyed and two more were damaged due to a fire that impacted the parking area of the "Mariana Grajales" Gynecological and Obstetric Hospital in Santa Clara, in the province of Villa Clara, with no reported loss of life or injuries.

Frequently asked questions about electric motorcycle fires in Cuba