Fire near a preschool in Santiago de Cuba raises alarm and mobilizes firefighters

A brush fire near the Amiguito de Vilma children's circle in Santiago de Cuba forced the interruption of the children's rest time. No injuries or significant damages were reported.

Fire in nearby brushland causes alarm at a children's center in Santiago de CubaPhoto © Collage Facebook / Aris Arias Batalla

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A brush fire that occurred this Tuesday near the Amiguito de Vilma daycare, located at the Ciudamar junction in Santiago de Cuba, created moments of tension and alarm among workers and residents of the area.

The fire started around 1:45 p.m. in an area of underbrush near the children's circle, while the second and third-year children were sleeping, as reported on Facebook by Aris Arias Batalla, provincial vice president of the Association of Volunteer Firefighters of Cuba.

Facebook Capture / Aris Arias Batalla

The swift intervention of Command 1 of the Fire Department, based in Martí, allowed for the flames to be controlled without any reported injuries or material damage to the educational institution.

Thanks to the swift action of the specialized forces, the minors were safely rescued and the situation was contained without major consequences.

"Everything ended well, no danger, no injuries, nor fatalities," she emphasized.

Arias warned about the danger of igniting fires in areas with dry vegetation or illegal dumping sites, as they can spread rapidly and endanger lives, especially those of minors.

During the month of March, various fires have raised alarms in Cuba. In Havana, a fire that occurred last Saturday in an apartment in the Lawton neighborhood left a man seriously injured and resulted in a significant deployment of law enforcement and rescue forces.

The authorities are still investigating the causes of the incident, but it is known that the injured person was transferred with severe burns to Calixto García Hospital, where he remains hospitalized in critical condition.

On the same day, another fire that broke out in an area adjacent to the Clínico Quirúrgico 26 de Julio hospital in Havana raised significant concern among residents and patients, to the point that several recorded the smoke from inside the medical center.

Although no material damage or casualties were reported, the situation created tensions and showcased how quickly fire can jeopardize densely populated urban areas.

Recently, authorities reported a forest fire in Guantánamo, which was controlled after several hours of hard work. This incident affected wooded areas, threatening local biodiversity and requiring the involvement of multiple brigades.

Finally, this past Monday, nearly a hundred firefighters and members of the Forest Rangers Corps confronted a large-scale fire in a wooded area of Holguín. The operation required a coordinated effort from multiple teams and tested the response capacity to forest emergencies.

Frequently Asked Questions about Recent Fires in Cuba

How was the fire near the children's circle in Santiago de Cuba controlled?

The brush fire near the Amiguito de Vilma preschool was controlled thanks to the swift intervention of Command 1 of the Firefighters, based in Martí, with no injuries or material damage reported to the educational institution.

What are the most common causes of fires in Cuba?

Fires in Cuba are often caused by the burning of dry vegetation and micro landfills, as well as by explosions of motorcycle batteries and other electrical equipment. These incidents are exacerbated by drought and improper use of electrical devices.

What preventive measures are being taken to avoid fires in Cuba?

The authorities and the Volunteer Firefighters Association of Cuba emphasize the importance of warning the public about the danger of igniting fires in areas with dry vegetation and the need to handle electrical equipment properly, particularly lithium batteries from motorbikes.

Have there been any casualties in the recent fires in Cuba?

In the recent fires reported in Cuba, no fatalities have been recorded, although some incidents have left individuals seriously injured, such as the case of a man in the Lawton neighborhood of Havana who suffered severe burns.

How does the energy crisis affect fires in Cuba?

The energy crisis in Cuba has increased the risk of fires, as the lack of electricity leads some people to use alternative cooking methods, such as firewood, which can cause incidents. Additionally, the improper use of electrical equipment, due to a shortage of spare parts and maintenance, also contributes to this issue.

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CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.