A large fire swept through the Ranchón de 4 Esquinas in Playa Girón, in the province of Matanzas, on the night of Wednesday, February 5th.
The fire spread quickly, generating a dense column of smoke and flames visible from several kilometers away.
According to witnesses, the flames spread rapidly due to the wooden structure and guano of the establishment, hindering the response of the firefighters.
So far, no casualties have been reported, but the material losses are total. The authorities have not disclosed the possible causes of the fire.
In images shared on social media, the magnitude of the fire is evident. In one of the photographs, large flames illuminate the night sky as the fire engulfs the ranchón.
Another image shows several people watching the scene, reflecting the impact of the event on the local residents.
This is the second fire recorded in Matanzas on the same day, following another incident that affected a warehouse in Varadero, although authorities stated that there were no human injuries or impacts on tourism.
The incident at the Ranchón de 4 Esquinas adds to a series of fires in similar facilities across Cuba in 2024.
In December of that year, a large fire destroyed what remained of the social circle La Concha, located in the Playa municipality of Havana.
The place had been in ruins for years, and the fire consumed the main building.
Frequently Asked Questions about Recent Fires in Matanzas and Cuba
What happened in the fire at the Ranchón of 4 Esquinas in Playa Girón?
The Ranchón de 4 Esquinas in Playa Girón, Matanzas, was destroyed by a large-scale fire that spread rapidly due to its wooden and guano structure. The material losses were total, although no casualties were reported. So far, authorities have not reported the possible causes of the fire.
What is the current situation of the fires in Matanzas?
Matanzas has been the scene of several recent fires, including the one at the Ranchón de 4 Esquinas and a warehouse in Varadero. These incidents have raised concerns about the safety of infrastructures and the emergency response capability in the province. Authorities are continuing to investigate the causes of these incidents.
Why are fires frequent in abandoned facilities in Cuba?
Many buildings and structures in Cuba, such as the La Concha social circle in Havana, are in a state of abandonment due to the lack of maintenance and management by the regime. These conditions increase vulnerability to fires, which often spread quickly due to the deterioration of the facilities.
What measures are being taken to improve fire response in Cuba?
Although Cuban authorities have implemented emergency protocols and mobilized resources to extinguish fires, the lack of adequate infrastructure and the deterioration of emergency services remain a significant issue. No specific measures have been announced to improve the situation beyond the immediate responses to each incident.
Filed under: