A fire that broke out this Saturday near the Joaquín Albarrán Clinical Surgical Teaching Hospital, commonly known as the Clínico de 26, in Havana, has generated significant concern among citizens, amidst a rising number of incidents reported in recent dates.
According to the report from the Facebook user Alexander Ríos Cruz, the fire started in the undergrowth of the forest adjacent to Clínico de 26, with no fatalities or injuries reported so far.
The images and videos shared by Ríos Cruz show the large cloud of smoke that emanated from the fire and fire trucks in the area of Independencia and 26 Avenues.
Some Cubans ventured in the comments section that the fire could be due to the accumulation of garbage in the areas surrounding the hospital.
Others expressed concern that the inhalation of that smoke coming from the garbage is toxic to the lungs.
Most forum members also noted that incidents of that kind had occurred with great frequency: "Another one? What is this about?"
In the week that began on March 17, at least eight fires occurred in urban and rural areas. In the most recent incident, in the neighborhood of Lawton, one person was seriously injured and there was significant material damage.
On Thursday morning, two residents in Santiago de Cuba watched their home burn down due to the explosion of a motorcycle, but they managed to save their lives by jumping from the second floor of the building.
The incident occurred around 2:35 a.m. at a residence located on Tramayo Street between Trocha and Gasómetro, in the Los Cangrejitos neighborhood, where an electric motorcycle exploded and triggered a fire that rapidly spread throughout the home, according to Aris Arias Batalla, vice president of the Volunteer Firefighters Association in Santiago de Cuba, in a Facebook post where he provided updates on the incident.
On the same day, a fire broke out in an apartment located on Almendares Street, in the Plaza de la Revolución municipality of Havana, and required the presence of fire units.
These fires are added to others of various kinds that have erupted in different areas of the country in recent weeks.
Among the most serious incidents was the one that occurred on March 15 in Playa de Cunagua, in the municipality of Bolivia, Ciego de Ávila, which destroyed 20 vacation homes and 189 temporary beach structures, mostly made of easily combustible materials such as guano and wood.
Frequently Asked Questions about Fires in Cuba and Their Causes
Why are there so many fires in Cuba?
Fires in Cuba are frequent due to multiple factors, such as the accumulation of trash, poor handling of electrical equipment, and improper handling of lithium batteries, especially in mopeds. These incidents raise concern due to their frequency and the tragic consequences they leave in their wake.
How do lithium batteries affect safety in Cuba?
Lithium batteries, primarily used in scooters, are highly volatile and can explode if not handled properly. The explosions of these batteries are a common cause of fires in Cuba, raising concerns among both the population and the authorities.
What are the consequences of wildfires in Cuba?
Fires in Cuba can result in significant human and material losses. These incidents also create alarm and concern among citizens, who face difficulties in replenishing their belongings due to the economic crisis.
What measures can be taken to prevent fires in Cuba?
To prevent fires in Cuba, safe practices must be followed, such as the proper handling of lithium batteries, avoiding the accumulation of garbage, and ensuring adequate maintenance of electrical equipment. It is also crucial to have safety systems and a quick response for emergencies.
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