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The Command 25 of the Holguín Fire Department extinguished a fire in a house in the provincial capital this Thursday, caused by the explosion of an electric motorcycle battery.
The firefighters managed to control the fire that broke out in the house, near the Ciudad Jardín neighborhood, reported the Facebook profile Realidades desde Holguín, associated with the Ministry of the Interior.
According to the report, the lithium battery of the motorcycle, which had been previously repaired, overheated during the charging process, causing the fire.
In the incident, there were no reported casualties, but the building sustained minor structural damage and its residents lost personal belongings.
The intervention of the firefighters prevented the fire from spreading to the neighboring houses and putting people's lives at risk.
This fact once again draws attention to the latent danger posed by electric vehicles in Cuba, particularly the motorinas, which have been involved in dozens of fires in recent years, often occurring within homes.
The frequency with which these incidents occur has heightened the concern among vehicle owners, the general public, and the authorities.
Such events, many of which have a fatal outcome, highlight the need for stricter regulations and the promotion of awareness campaigns regarding their safe use.
Specialists cite as frequent causes the unstable electrical conditions - already common in the country due to the chronic issues of the National Electric System (SEN) - the battery overload, and improper handling of batteries.
The publication about the fire that occurred this Thursday in Holguín urged to "exercise extreme caution with lithium batteries, commonly found in motorcycles, bicycles, phones, and laptops."
The text made five recommendations to “avoid a tragedy” in households. First, conduct responsible repairs, ensuring that batteries are only repaired by specialized and certified technicians. “An inadequate repair is a lurking risk,” it warned.
He advised to not overcharge the batteries, disconnect them once they are charged to 100%, and avoid doing so overnight; he also cautioned that they should never be left charging unattended, especially during the early morning hours or when there is no one at home.
Additionally, the devices should be charged in a proper location: “a stable surface, away from flammable materials (such as curtains, wooden furniture, or papers) and in a well-ventilated area.”
And finally, it was urged to always use the original charger provided by the manufacturer, as "generic or incompatible chargers can damage the battery and cause fires."
Frequently Asked Questions about Fires Caused by Electric Motorcycles in Cuba
Why are electric motorcycle fires common in Cuba?
Fires involving electric motorcycles in Cuba are common due to several factors: the country's unstable electrical conditions, overheating of lithium batteries, improper handling of these batteries, and informal repairs. Furthermore, the lack of strict regulations and the shortage of spare parts exacerbate the situation, increasing the risk of fires.
What are the recommendations to prevent fires caused by electric motorcycles?
To prevent fires caused by electric motorcycles, it is advisable to follow these measures: Carry out repairs only with specialized and certified technicians, do not overload the batteries and disconnect them upon reaching 100%, avoid charging overnight or unsupervised, charge devices on stable surfaces, away from flammable materials and in well-ventilated areas, and always use the manufacturer's original charger.
What role do lithium batteries play in electric motorcycle fires?
Lithium batteries are a critical factor in electric motorcycle fires due to their tendency to overheat if not handled properly. Overcharging, inadequate repairs, and the use of non-original chargers can increase the risk of explosions and fires, especially in an environment with unstable electrical conditions like that of Cuba.
How does the public transport crisis affect the use of electric motorcycles in Cuba?
The crisis of public transport in Cuba has increased the use of electric motorcycles as an essential means of mobility, especially due to the shortage of fuel. This dependence on electric motorcycles, without proper regulations and safety measures, has raised the frequency of incidents related to improper handling of their batteries, resulting in a dilemma between necessity and risk for the Cuban population.
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