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A large-scale fire was reported this Saturday in the area of Boca de Camarioca, near Varadero, in the province of Matanzas, causing alarm among residents and a rapid spread of images on social media.
According to the authorities' account, the fire originated in brush areas and caused the combustion of a small volume of degrading oil.
The incident was quickly controlled by specialized forces, as confirmed by engineer Marcos Pestaña Roque, director of the Drilling and Oil Extraction Company of the Central region.
"After the fire was extinguished, no damage was reported in the nearby exploitation wells, and extraction efforts continue without difficulties," assured the specialist, according to a post on Facebook by the official journalist José Miguel Solís.
The fire caused a large column of black smoke, visible from several points in Matanzas and Varadero, raising concern among the population.
On social media, witnesses claimed that the flames originated from tanks or pipelines of crude oil. However, the authorities denied any damage to key infrastructures and explained that the volume of smoke was a natural consequence of the combustion of the spilled crude oil in the area.
Solís, cited by the Periódico Girón, highlighted that the incident was more dramatic due to the amount of smoke than the damage caused. "Fortunately, the local residents agree that it was more smoke than damage," he reported.
Authorities have reiterated the importance of maintaining discipline and taking precautions during this time of year, when high temperatures and dryness increase the risk of wildfires.
The combination of wind, dry vegetation, and oil residues in the oil area may have favored the combustion.
The incident is fully under control, although firefighting teams and drilling specialists continue to work in the area to ensure complete extinguishment and safety of the zone.
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