A fire reported on the night of this Monday prompted several fire teams to mobilize in the middle of the historic center of Santiago de Cuba, where flames and a dense column of smoke could be seen from various points in the area.
Social communicator Yosmany Mayeta Labrada reported that the incident occurred near Aguilera and San Agustín streets, a central and busy area of the city.
The images released show firefighters working to extinguish the flames, while thick smoke rose between the buildings in the area.
According to preliminary testimonies received by Mayeta Labrada, the fire would have started in a residence that also housed a business.
However, Mayeta clarified that at the time of the initial reports, the exact property affected and the causes of the fire had not been specified.
"From several nearby rooftops, the flames and thick smoke could be seen, as numerous neighbors took to the streets to witness what was happening," the communicator explained.
Neighbors confirmed that at least three fire trucks from different units in Santiago de Cuba arrived at the scene to tackle the blaze.
The fire also occurred very close to the provincial station CMKC.
Until the time of the first publication, there was no confirmed information about injured persons or the extent of the material damages.
Shortly after, Mayeta Labrada published an update from the site with the message "The fire is dying down."
The images once again showed firefighters working in the affected area, which apparently was in the midst of a power outage.
In recent days, several fires have occurred in the heart of the historic center of Santiago de Cuba, prompting the mobilization of firefighters.
Last Wednesday, a devastating fire partially or completely destroyed five homes on Pasaje Soler, in the heart of the city, according to a detailed report from the provincial vice president of the Volunteer Firefighters Association, Aris Arias Batalla.
On August 22, a car caught fire at the intersection of Nueva and San Francisco streets, also in the heart of the city, and required the intervention of firefighters.
The incident on Monday occurs just days after a leader of the Volunteer Fire Department in Santiago de Cuba warned about the irregular storage of fuel within homes.
Aris Arias Batalla warned that storing gasoline or diesel in inappropriate containers and poorly ventilated spaces can turn a house into a "ticking time bomb."
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