A large fire destroyed an apartment in building 43 in the city of Artemisa on Monday, with no injuries reported, although the material damage was significant.
The fire broke out during the day and was quickly controlled by the Fire Department, which prevented the spread of flames to other homes in the building. According to preliminary information shared by Radio Artemisa, the causes of the fire are still under investigation.
The released photographs show the extent of the disaster. In one of the images, the burning apartment can be seen, with a thick column of black smoke and visible flames from the outside, while what appear to be ornamental plants remain lined up on the railing.
Facebook/Radio Artemisa
Another image shows the building’s facade after the fire has been extinguished. The walls are blackened by smoke, and structural damage is visible in the affected area.
Facebook/Radio Artemisa
An ambulance from the SIUM (Integrated System of Medical Emergencies) can also be seen parked nearby, as residents and onlookers gathered at the site.
Facebook/Radio Artemisa
This incident adds to a series of fires that have occurred in apartments across various Cuban cities in recent months. One of them took place in March in an apartment in Alamar, Havana. There were no injuries following the blaze, but the material losses were total.
That same month, another fire in an apartment of a multi-family building in the Lawton neighborhood, Diez de Octubre municipality, Havana, left a man in intensive care.
In January, a fire in a multifamily building in the Reparto Abel Santamaría neighborhood of Santiago de Cuba caused concern among residents, although there were no injuries.
These events are compounded by the fact that in October 2024, an apartment in Alamar caught fire while its residents were cooking with firewood during a massive blackout.
These events highlight the fragility of many housing infrastructures in Cuba and the risks associated with the use of alternative means in the face of the energy crisis.
Frequently Asked Questions about Recent Fires in Artemisa and Cuba
What happened in the building fire in Artemisa?
A large fire destroyed an apartment in building 43 of the city of Artemisa. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, though the material damage was significant. The causes of the fire are still under investigation.
What are the most common causes of fires in Cuba?
The most common causes of fires in Cuba include short circuits and explosions of electric motorcycle batteries. These incidents have impacted both homes and vehicles and have raised concerns about electrical safety in the country.
What measures are being taken to prevent fires in Cuba?
Although no specific official measures have been outlined, it is recommended to take precautions with electric motorcycle batteries, such as charging them in safe and monitored locations. It is important to avoid charging motorcycles near flammable materials or in enclosed spaces without supervision.
How do fires affect housing infrastructure in Cuba?
The recent fires highlight the fragility of many housing infrastructures in Cuba. The energy crisis has led many to use alternative cooking methods, such as firewood, increasing the risk of fires in poorly maintained buildings.
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