A Cuban family with three young children lost nearly all their belongings in a fierce blaze that erupted early Sunday morning at their home in the city of Florida, Camagüey. Fortunately, all family members escaped the disaster unharmed, according to preliminary reports.
The fire broke out in one of the top-floor apartments of Building 2 in the Micro District of this Camagüey city, causing significant damage to the property and destroying the family's possessions. The household consists of two adults and three children, as detailed by social media user Jennifer Páez in a Facebook post.
"This happened in the early hours at one of the apartments in the Micro area in Florida, Camagüey. There were three minors and two adults. Thank God nothing happened to them. The fire was caused by a leaking liquefied gas cylinder," Páez reported.
Páez appealed to the community for support: "Folks, these people have lost everything—clothing, all their appliances. Any help would be appreciated, please."
A post in the Facebook group “Floridanos en Cuba,” cited by user Irma Broek, suggested that the fire likely started due to “a short circuit when the power was turned on and a defective gas cylinder valve.”
This “combination caused the fire, leading to material damages and losses of household appliances, but thankfully, no severe human injuries occurred,” the post noted. While the report did not specify if anyone sustained minor injuries, a photo showed an ambulance at the scene. The Florida fire department extinguished the blaze.
Images of the aftermath depict a grim scene: charred and destroyed items and electrical appliances; walls, ceilings, floors, and the entire apartment interior blackened by smoke; damaged clothing and other items, many rendered unusable.
Neighbors immediately began collecting donations to assist the family as more details emerged about the fire's impact. One commenter, Elam Recio, shared: "When my husband returned from the fire, standing before me completely blackened as if he'd been pulling out an oven, I realized the extent of the blaze. He told me everything was severely burned and that the family suffered many losses."
"Truly, anyone who can help should do so," the woman urged. "This is when we see everyone's solidarity. We can't leave this family in such a state; any contribution, no matter how small, will be appreciated. Thanks to all who helped extinguish the fire and to the Florida fire department."
Recently, numerous fires have occurred throughout the country, causing significant material damage, although fortunately, no lives have been lost. Last week in Placetas, Villa Clara, flames consumed four houses, two of which were completely destroyed. While the families escaped with their lives, they lost everything to the fire.
In Sancti Spíritus, another blaze inflicted damage on the intermediate care room of the Camilo Cienfuegos Provincial General Hospital in the provincial capital. Meanwhile, in the municipality of La Sierpe, flames devoured approximately 250 hectares of pastureland near the Photovoltaic Solar Park.
Additionally, firefighters in the city of Matanzas extinguished a fire at the Hershey train station ranch in the Versalles neighborhood.
Understanding Recent Fires in Cuba
What caused the fire in Florida, Camagüey?
The fire in Florida, Camagüey, was reportedly caused by a leaking liquefied gas cylinder, which may have been exacerbated by a short circuit when the electricity was turned on.
Were there any injuries in the Florida, Camagüey fire?
No severe injuries were reported in the Florida, Camagüey fire, although an ambulance was present at the scene, and it is unclear if anyone sustained minor injuries.
How can the community support the affected family?
The community is encouraged to donate clothing, appliances, or any other assistance to help the affected family recover from their losses.