A massive fire has swept through numerous homes in Playa Cunagua, a community in the municipality of Bolivia, Ciego de Ávila, leaving many families homeless. This marks the second occurrence of such a disaster in the area within two years, causing significant concern among residents.
The blaze broke out on Saturday evening, as reported by the Facebook page 'La Tijera,' which described the event as a "literal inferno" for the local inhabitants. Eyewitness accounts shared in the post indicate that the flames spread rapidly, devouring homes and leaving a trail of destruction. "Many lamented losing everything once again," the source noted.
Authorities have yet to disclose the cause of the fire or provide detailed information about the damage inflicted. Nevertheless, this incident is reminiscent of a similar fire in February 2023, which destroyed at least 18 homes. At that time, negligence with a wood stove and the construction materials—mainly guano and wood—contributed to the fire's swift spread.
The Devastating Impact on the Community
Located near the Jardines del Rey archipelago, with renowned spots like Cayo Coco and Cayo Romano, Playa Cunagua is known for its white sandy beaches and coral reefs. The area is dotted with all-inclusive resorts and features lagoons and marshes that are home to native wildlife, including one of the largest colonies of pink flamingos in the Americas.
Residents, nestled in this idyllic setting, are calling for improved safety measures in their homes and a decisive response from authorities to prevent further disasters. The community, consisting of about a hundred families, now faces the daunting task of rebuilding amidst an economic crisis that hinders access to construction materials.
Images and videos circulating on social media highlight the fire's devastating impact and the distress of those affected, who are urgently appealing for solidarity and assistance.
Speculations Arise Over Possible Arson
Given that this is the second fire in Playa Cunagua in under a year, some online commentators have speculated about the possibility of intentional arson. The community's prime location, close to the tourist hotspot of Jardines del Rey, raises concerns among residents and civil society about potential forced displacement motives.
According to the official site EcuRed, Playa Cunagua is primarily a summer beach settlement, bustling with tourists, while the rest of the year, only two permanent residents remain to oversee the properties. Recent instances of forced evictions in Cuba amplify these fears. In April 2024, the state conglomerate GAESA reportedly ousted residents from Cayo Saetía, Holguín, to make way for luxury tourism.
In that case, which dragged on for over two years of conflict between residents and the military-run Grupo de Administración Empresarial S.A. (GAESA, which controls Cuba's dollarized economy), it was alleged that evictees were not provided with adequate housing solutions, and authorities acted with impunity.
While there's no concrete evidence linking this fire to a deliberate attempt to expel Playa Cunagua's residents, the pattern of incidents in high-value tourist areas has raised alarms. Those affected are demanding a thorough investigation to uncover the fire's origins and ensure the community doesn't remain vulnerable.
Understanding the Playa Cunagua Fire Incident
What caused the recent fire in Playa Cunagua?
The exact cause of the recent fire in Playa Cunagua has not been disclosed by authorities. However, it mirrors a previous incident caused by negligence with a wood stove.
Why are residents concerned about the fire?
Residents are worried due to the recurrence of such fires in a short period, alongside suspicions of potential forced displacement due to the area's tourist appeal.