A firefighter was hospitalized but remains out of life-threatening danger after suffering a heatstroke during a fire on Saturday morning at the Girón Building in Havana. This information was provided by Yanet Hernández Pérez, the governor of the capital. She also mentioned that along with the firefighter, identified as Harold Rodríguez Ávila, six other people were hospitalized but have since been discharged.
The official added that 190 people were evacuated, including 17 minors and four disabled individuals, to nearby centers or neighbors' homes. The Council of Municipal Administration of Plaza de la Revolución noted that those without the need for hospital transfer, including minors and four elderly adults, were evacuated to local 5 of the Ministry of Tourism (MINTUR). Meanwhile, 190 residents, eight children, and two disabled individuals are being accommodated at the Grand Aston Hotel.
Hernández Pérez confirmed that "the planned measures for such circumstances have been activated, along with commissions to assist families and personnel working at the site." Among those who responded to the scene were the Cuban Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, and the head of Civil Defense, Major General Ramón Pardo Guerra, among other officials.
The fire broke out on Saturday morning at the Girón Building, located at Malecón and F. The smoke was visible from various parts of Havana. Authorities have so far reported that the fire started in the 5th-floor light well, but the causes of the incident are still under investigation.
The Girón Building houses a total of 132 apartments, with 600 residents, according to the Council of Municipal Administration of Plaza de la Revolución.
Details on the Havana Girón Building Fire Incident
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the fire at the Girón Building in Havana and the subsequent evacuation and response efforts.
What caused the fire at the Girón Building?
As of now, authorities have only reported that the fire originated in the 5th-floor light well. The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation.
How many people were affected by the fire?
A total of 190 people were evacuated, including 17 minors and four disabled individuals. Six people were hospitalized but have since been discharged.
Where were the evacuated residents taken?
Evacuated residents were taken to local 5 of the Ministry of Tourism (MINTUR) and the Grand Aston Hotel. Some were also accommodated in nearby centers or neighbors' homes.