A fire at a garbage dump in the popular council of Armada, in the municipality of Cerro, in Havana, raised alarm among residents due to fears that the flames could spread to other unhealthy spots in the community.
The user of Facebook Mario Hui reported that the container was set on fire in the middle of a public road and claims that this incident is part of a concerning escalation of arson incidents that, between June and July 2025 alone, have affected at least eight containers in that area of the capital.
People set trash cans on fire because unsanitary conditions are worsening without any action from the State, and life in those areas becomes unbearable due to the constant smell and the proliferation of rats, flies, mosquitoes, and cockroaches.
The fire destroys part of the waste, the vectors that thrive there, and forces authorities to take action, but it poses a real danger to nearby homes and people.
So far, it is not known who is responsible for the fire on the hill or what effective actions have been taken by the authorities.
Garbage fires are not only in Havana
This is a problem that has spread throughout the country. In Santiago de Cuba, the provincial vice president of the Volunteer Firefighters Association of Cuba, Aris Arias Batallas, issued a serious warning on social media earlier this month about the growing risk of fires in urban micro-dumps.
"I won't go into details to avoid hurting professional sensitivities (...), but I warn of immediate actions because if they are not taken, our city will become a Bayamo, and it won't be for its beautiful cars and historical monuments; it will be due to the ongoing fires in illegal dumps," he wrote on Facebook.
Only on one day did we respond to three fires in less than two hours, all in areas close to homes, power poles, and state facilities. Arias Batallas emphasized the economic, health, and social damages that this situation is causing.
The accumulation of trash on streets and corners, along with the lack of timely collection, are turning many Cuban neighborhoods into permanent risk hotspots. Although authorities have urged the public to be more disciplined in waste disposal, the government's response has been insufficient to curb the deterioration of the urban environment.
Frequently Asked Questions about Landfill Fires and Waste Management in Cuba
Why are the trash containers in Havana catching fire?
The garbage containers are catching fire due to the accumulation of waste and the lack of state intervention for their collection. Neighbors, facing unsanitary conditions and the proliferation of pests, are resorting to burning the trash as a desperate measure to compel the authorities to take action.
What risks do these garbage fires pose?
Trash fires pose a threat to homes, individuals, and the environment. They can produce toxic smoke, damage nearby infrastructure, and cause significant injuries or material losses. Furthermore, the release of toxic gases impacts air quality and can have serious consequences for public health.
What measures are the authorities taking to control this situation?
Until now, authorities have not implemented effective measures to control the situation of fires and the accumulation of garbage in urban areas. Citizens' complaints and warnings from volunteer firefighters underscore the urgency for a structural response, but state action remains insufficient.
How does the accumulation of trash and the fires affect the local community?
The accumulation of garbage and fires impact the health, safety, and quality of life of the local community. These issues lead to unsanitary conditions, increase the risk of diseases, and create a dangerous environment due to both the fires and the proliferation of pests.
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