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A medium-sized fire that occurred on Wednesday night in the municipality of San Luis, in Santiago de Cuba, left one resident with third-degree burns and an injured firefighter.
According to a post by Aris Arias Batalla, the Operations and Relief Coordinator of Santiago de Cuba, on Facebook, the incident occurred around 7:49 p.m. and was initially extinguished by local residents.
However, when the firefighters entered the house, they did not detect the presence of a container with gasoline and a lit stove, which caused a second fire.
The resurgence of the fire caused severe burns to one of the residents and minor injuries to a firefighter's hands due to the steam.
The flames were finally brought under control with no further injuries reported, although there was material damage to kitchen equipment.
The former head of Operations and Relief for the Red Cross in the area, Rafael Edgardo Gonzáles, thanked the neighbors for their assistance and warned that intervening without adequate knowledge in situations like this can be dangerous.
He also praised the participation of CUPET workers, who assisted by using fire extinguishers.
The events took place in the vicinity of Martí and Agramonte streets, near Red Square.
Arias acknowledged the efforts of the residents who supported during the emergency, such as Tito, Edi, and Julio, the latter still in the process of recovering from his injuries.
Several recent incidents have highlighted the dangers associated with fires in Cuban homes, many of which have been exacerbated by power outages, faulty batteries, and a lack of immediate response.
In Santiago de Cuba, a young man died, burned alive while trying to save his family from a fire caused by a candle lit near gasoline. The incident took place in the middle of the night, and although he managed to rescue his mother and wife, he was unable to escape himself.
In Camagüey, an explosion of electric scooter batteries resulted in a tragedy by sparking a fire that claimed one life.
The motorcycles were connected inside the house during a power outage, and the explosion occurred when the electricity was restored. Neighbors criticized the delay of the firefighters and the lack of water, worsening the situation.
In Guantánamo, another fire caused by an electric motor was promptly controlled by firefighters, preventing loss of life. However, the motor was destroyed, and it is suspected that the cause was a recently repaired battery.
Authorities are warning about the risks of informal repairs and defective electrical systems.
Also in Havana, a fire completely consumed a multi-family building in Vedado.
The flames, visible from various points in the city, caused great alarm among residents, and although no fatalities were reported, the material damages were severe.
Frequently Asked Questions about Fires in Santiago de Cuba
How did the fire occur in Santiago de Cuba that left a neighbor and a firefighter injured?
The fire occurred in the municipality of San Luis, in Santiago de Cuba, when a container with gasoline and a lit brazier caused a second combustion after initially being quenched by neighbors. This incident left one resident with third-degree burns and caused minor injuries to a firefighter due to the steam.
What role did the neighbors play in the fire in Santiago de Cuba?
The neighbors played a crucial role in attempting to extinguish the fire initially. Their early intervention helped to control the flames before the firefighters arrived, although the situation was complicated by the presence of gasoline and a lit charcoal stove. The former head of Operations and Relief at the Red Cross thanked them for their help but warned about the risks of intervening without proper knowledge.
Why are fires common in Santiago de Cuba?
Fires in Santiago de Cuba are frequent due to various factors, such as the improper use of cooking equipment, volatile fuels like gasoline, and the mishandling of flammable materials. Additionally, the energy crisis forces many families to resort to dangerous cooking methods, such as using charcoal grills, which increases the risk of fires. Authorities have warned about the situation and the need for preventive measures.
What measures are being taken to prevent fires in Santiago de Cuba?
The authorities and fire departments in Santiago de Cuba have emphasized the importance of prevention, urging the population to take extra precautions, especially during the current dry season. It has been advised to eliminate hazardous combustibles and to educate the community on proper waste management and emergency handling. However, economic conditions and the energy crisis complicate the implementation of these measures.
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