A massive blaze engulfed a building situated on 3rd Street South between Santa Rita and San Gregorio in Guantánamo, severely compromising its structural integrity. Social media reports suggest that the edifice is now at risk of collapse.
Official journalist Miguel Reyes Mendoza, known on Facebook as 'Miguel Noticias,' posted a video of the incident, revealing that although firefighters successfully extinguished the flames, the damage to the building was extensive. "Images from 3rd South/Santa Rita and San Gregorio in Guantánamo show the aftermath. While the cause is under investigation, some attribute it to an electrical short circuit. The structure remains standing but is in danger of falling," the journalist reported.
The video captures a local resident claiming the fire started at an electrical meter. However, investigations are ongoing, and as of the writing of this article, the official cause and identity or purpose of the building remain unknown.
Frequent Power Outages: A Persistent Threat
Frequent power outages and electrical fluctuations are causing significant damage to both residential and commercial electrical systems across Cuba. The eastern region, often more severely affected by these disruptions, has seen numerous incidents reported by locals.
In mid-September, a destructive fire caused significant damage to the home of a couple involved in the "Bienestar Animal Guantánamo" project, aimed at supporting stray animals in this eastern Cuban province. Earlier in April, a blaze ravaged a sawmill belonging to a coffee company in the Guantánamo municipality of Yateras. This fire was ignited by high temperatures and drought, which turned a large pile of sawdust into a virtual tinderbox.
Environmental Factors Contributing to Fire Incidents
Drought conditions, another major factor contributing to the frequency of fires in the province's rural areas, were also a catalyst for a January blaze in Tres Fiebres, Moa, and Alto de Cruzata, Yateras, regions within the Alejandro de Humboldt National Park.
Understanding the Causes and Effects of Fires in Guantánamo
What was the believed cause of the fire in Guantánamo?
Some reports suggest that the fire may have been caused by an electrical short circuit. However, official investigations are still underway to determine the exact cause.
How do power outages contribute to fire risks in Cuba?
Frequent power outages and electrical fluctuations can lead to equipment malfunctions, increasing the risk of fires in homes and commercial establishments.
What environmental factors are exacerbating fire incidents in Guantánamo?
Drought and high temperatures are significant environmental factors that have been contributing to the increased incidence of fires in the region.