A fire that broke out in an area of the old Armando Marcerón cement factory in Santiago de Cuba produced a huge column of black smoke visible from various elevated points in the city.
The incident occurred in a desolate area, where only remnants of the ex-diesel fuel tanks of the factory remain, located on the tourist road, one and a half kilometers from the neighborhood of Altamira, as reported by Aris Arias Batalla on social media.
Despite not posing a risk to the population or state facilities, fire department forces intervened to extinguish the flames and prevent the fire from spreading to the nearby vegetation.
"Everything is back to normal, and we insist to those individuals who set fire to garbage and vegetation that their irresponsibility can cause confusion, general discomfort, and, worse yet, a sudden spread due to the existing drought and winds," Arias emphasized.
Minutes earlier, Alejandro Calderín Arias, in the group Facebook “360 Santiago de Cuba compra y venta”, had reported the incident: “Does anyone know what that fire by the mill is?”
Several people reacted to the post by sharing images of the huge column of smoke visible from various points in the city.
The fire that occurred in Playa, La Habana left a family homeless and sparked a wave of solidarity. The community has organized a campaign to collect donations and assist those affected.
In the province of Sancti Spíritus, a fire consumed 250 hectares of land near the La Sierpe Photovoltaic Solar Park. The flames spread due to the drought, although there was no damage to the energy infrastructure.
The energy crisis intensified in January following a fire at the Cienfuegos thermoelectric plant. The incident severely impacted electricity generation and extended blackouts across the island.
In Santiago de Cuba, a fire in a multifamily building in the Abel Santamaría neighborhood caused alarm among residents. Witnesses reported an explosion before the flames spread.
The energy crisis in Cuba has been escalating, as evidenced by the increase in blackouts in January. The lack of fuel and breakdowns in thermoelectric plants have left several regions with extended power outages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Fires in Santiago de Cuba
What caused the fire at the old cement factory in Santiago de Cuba?
The fire originated in a desolate area of the old Armando Marcerón cement factory, where only remnants of the former diesel fuel tanks remain. Although it did not pose a risk to the population, the Fire Department intervened to prevent the spread of the fire to the nearby vegetation.
What are the common causes of fires in Santiago de Cuba?
Fires in Santiago de Cuba are often caused by the burning of garbage dumps due to inefficient waste management. In addition, electrical problems and poor fuel quality have been identified as factors contributing to fires in vehicles and homes.
What measures are being taken to prevent fires in Santiago de Cuba?
No official measures have been specifically mentioned to prevent fires in Santiago de Cuba. However, citizens are called to take responsibility to avoid setting fire to trash bins and vegetation, as this can lead to confusion and the rapid spread of fire due to the dry and windy conditions.
What was the authorities' response to the fire at the old cement factory?
The Fire Department forces quickly responded to the location to extinguish the flames and prevent the fire from spreading to the nearby vegetation. Fortunately, the incident posed no risk to the population or state facilities.
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