A fire broke out this past Friday at the Cotorro Brewery, located in the namesake municipality in Havana, prompting authorities to evacuate 488 people from the 60th precinct of the area. The evacuation was due to the risk of structural collapse or a potential ammonia leak, a chemical used for refrigeration at the plant because it's the most cost-effective method for the brewing industry.
In a video broadcast by the state-run Canal Caribe, Álvaro Álvarez, the mayor of the Cotorro municipality, explained to the media that the primary dangers were the potential collapse of the factory walls, which could harm nearby structures. "There is also the risk that these structures might fall into the street. That's why the population has been evacuated," the televised report disclosed.
Additionally, there was a warning about the danger posed by the substances used in the brewery industry, though specifics were not provided. "While there are no flammable substances, since the available alcohols have low degrees—less than 38 degrees—meaning it wouldn't allow for a more significant combustion, we still protect people's lives, because, after all, it is a fire that is still ongoing," commented spokesperson Lázaro Manuel Alonso to Canal Caribe.
Preliminary expert analysis suggests that the fire might have started while moving structures within the site. This could have generated a spark that ignited a minor fire, which then spread. "It might have been that in the afternoon or night [of Thursday], a spark occurred and caused a minor fire that later expanded. As it moved to an enclosed area, the fire spread to other parts of the facility. It's still too early to determine what the cause might have been," Alonso remarked.
When specialists flew over the brewery to assess the fire's extent, they noted that the temperature in the area exceeded 100 degrees Celsius. Members of the Cuban Fire Brigade, the Red Cross, Public Health, and officials arrived to extinguish the blaze.
Emerio González Lorenzo, president of the Food Industry Business Group, previously mentioned that the fire originated in a building that housed an old beer cooler from the factory. The risk of an ammonia leak has been one of the main concerns, as this gas is highly toxic.
Although there have been no reports of fatalities or injuries so far, authorities are closely monitoring the efforts to extinguish the fire and ensure safety in the area.
Key Concerns About the Cotorro Brewery Fire
What caused the fire at the Cotorro Brewery?
Preliminary reports suggest that the fire might have started due to a spark while moving structures within the site, which ignited a minor fire that then spread.
What are the main risks associated with the fire?
The primary risks include the potential collapse of the factory's walls, which could damage nearby structures, and a possible ammonia leak, as ammonia is highly toxic.
Have there been any casualties reported?
As of now, there have been no reports of fatalities or injuries resulting from the fire.