Cuban authorities have determined that the fire that occurred in Playa de Cunagua, in the province of Ciego de Ávila, was caused by the recklessness of a 44-year-old citizen, who was residing illegally in the area, according to local media reports.
The incident occurred on Saturday, March 15 at 7:50 PM in the 37th District of the Urban Popular Council of the municipality of Bolivia. According to a report published in the state-run newspaper Invasor, the fire originated from a wood stove that had been left burning, quickly spreading to the guano roof of an adjacent house.
The flames caused extensive damage in the area, affecting 20 cabins and 189 temporary beach structures, primarily built with flammable materials such as guano and wood.
Fortunately, these properties were unoccupied at the time of the incident. Additionally, considerable damage was reported to the electrical networks in the area.
Specialized brigades from the Fire Department, along with forestry workers and local residents, participated in firefighting efforts to prevent the blaze from reaching areas of high ecological value in the Cayo Cunagua nature reserve.
The stunning images shared by Facebook users after the disaster reveal charred houses, structures reduced to rubble, and a desolate landscape.
This fire in Playa de Cunagua inevitably recalls the devastating incident that occurred in February 2023, when a fire with similar characteristics destroyed at least 18 homes in the same community.
On that occasion, the cause of the fire was also related to a poorly extinguished wood stove, highlighting a troubling lack of preventive measures and safety protocols in the area.
Despite the impact of that event, the authorities did not implement effective solutions to prevent a disaster of this kind from occurring again, leaving the community in a state of recurring vulnerability.
Now, residents are demanding a concrete response that guarantees greater safety and prevents Playa de Cunagua from continuing to be the scene of avoidable tragedies.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Fire at Playa de Cunagua
What was the cause of the fire in Playa de Cunagua?
The fire was caused by the carelessness of a 44-year-old citizen, who left a firewood stove burning. This led to the fire spreading rapidly through the area, affecting homes and beach structures built primarily with flammable materials such as guano and wood.
What damage did the fire cause in Playa de Cunagua?
The fire caused damage to 20 vacation homes and 189 temporary beach structures. Considerable damage to the area's electrical grids was also reported. Fortunately, the structures were unoccupied at the time of the incident, so there were no fatalities.
What has been the response of the authorities to the fire in Playa de Cunagua?
Specialized brigades from the Fire Department, along with forestry workers and local residents, took part in extinguishing efforts to prevent the fire from reaching areas of high ecological value in the Cayo Cunagua nature reserve. However, the affected community is calling for a more effective response from the authorities to prevent future tragedies and improve safety conditions.
Could the fires in Playa de Cunagua be part of a forced displacement?
The repeated fires in Playa de Cunagua have raised suspicions among residents and civil society regarding the possibility that these incidents are a method to forcibly displace the inhabitants of the area. There is no concrete evidence that this is a deliberate attempt, but the coincidence of incidents in areas of high tourist value has raised alarms.
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