A significant fire broke out on the night of this Saturday at the Rancho Luna Inflatable Park, a recreational area adjacent to the Cienfuegos Dolphinarium, causing considerable material damage, although no casualties were reported.
Striking images posted on social media showed the ferocity of the flames and a massive column of smoke rising from the area of the disaster.
The intervention of the firefighters prevented the spread of the fire to other areas of the resort complex, according to official reports.
The journalist Miguel Adrián Rodríguez, from the weekly 5 de Septiembre, reported that the fire started on the land area of the inflatable park, which is owned by the Ministry of Tourism.
This version was confirmed by Yusimí Yull Quintana, an official of the Provincial Party, who specified that “the emblematic dolphins and the rest of the fauna that spend the night in the adjacent areas did not suffer any damage”
"At approximately 8 PM, I received a call from the security staff alerting us to a possible fire in the kitchen area of the Inflatable Park. Immediately, all fire suppression systems were activated and the firefighters were notified. Upon arriving at the scene, the disaster was evident," said Líosvy Vall-lloseras Corcho, head of the Department of the Dolphinarium, in statements to the mentioned local media.
The Subofficer Luis Manuel Valdivié Fonseca, head of the Rescue and Salvage Group, described the event as “a significant fire, classified as medium in scale.”
He indicated that a possible cause could have been “a strong gust of wind that may have affected the transformers, causing a short circuit that could have started the fire.”
However, he emphasized that "the causes are still under investigation."
Valdivié also highlighted the quick response of the fire department, "cutting off the paths of propagation and managing to control the flames before they reached other areas of the Dolphinarium, including the diving center."
Material damages and recovery efforts
Although no human casualties or impacts on marine wildlife were reported, the material damages in the terrestrial area of the park were substantial.
Líosvy Vall-lloseras stated: “The animal area sustained no damage. There have been no effects on the dolphins, which are in perfect condition. So far, no damage has been detected in the aquatic, lifeguard, maintenance, or recreation areas. However, the service area has been completely destroyed, so we will begin a thorough review.”
Workers in the tourism sector, particularly those at the Dolphinarium under the Palmares branch, have started recovery efforts in the affected area, which also includes the preparation of food for the dolphins and other essential resources.
An iconic place for family leisure
The inflatable park at Rancho Luna is considered one of the favorite spots for families from Cienfuegos, especially for children and teenagers.
There, one can enjoy not only a natural environment by the sea and culinary offerings, but also the spectacle of dolphins, visible from the very building itself.
The Cienfuegos Dolphinarium, located 17 kilometers from the city, was inaugurated on December 27, 2001.
In these nearly 24 years, four dolphins have been born. Currently, two of them participate in the shows, including "Oceany," who has already turned 18 years old.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Fire in Cienfuegos
What caused the fire at the Inflatable Park in Rancho Luna, Cienfuegos?
The fire apparently started in the kitchen of the inflatable park, and spread throughout the service area, including the cabins. The use of a plastic material that mimics wood, which is highly flammable, accelerated the spread of the fire. However, a possible cause may also have been a gust of wind that affected the transformers, causing a short circuit, although the causes are still under investigation.
Were there any casualties in the fire at the Rancho Luna Inflatable Park?
No human casualties or damage to marine wildlife were reported in the fire. The dolphins and the rest of the fauna in the surrounding areas were unharmed, and the aquatic areas were not affected.
How did the firefighters respond to the fire in Cienfuegos?
The firefighters quickly managed to control the flames, preventing the fire from spreading to other areas of the resort complex. The swift intervention of the fire department was crucial in cutting off the fire's paths of propagation and protecting the diving center and other areas of the Dolphinarium.
What actions are being taken following the fire in the Cienfuegos park?
Recovery efforts have begun in the damaged area. Workers in the tourism sector, particularly from the Delfinario owned by Sucursal Palmares, are working on inspecting and preparing the affected areas, including the dolphins' food and other essential resources.
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