Cuban authorities have released images showcasing the extensive destruction of the former Guido Pérez Brewery, located in Havana's Cotorro municipality, after a fire raged for over 24 hours. The blaze kept both officials and hundreds of residents on edge due to concerns over potential structural collapses and the release of toxic substances like ammonia, stemming from materials stored in the out-of-use industrial facility.
The Municipal Assembly of People's Power in Cotorro confirmed on Facebook that the fire was finally extinguished. "Shortly after 4 AM on April 12, the fire was put out thanks to the relentless efforts of firefighters from various stations, with support from MININT, the Red Cross, SIUM, the Electric Company, and Communal Services," the post stated.
During the operation, specialized technology such as drones and a dismantling crane were utilized to access areas compromised by collapses. Officials estimated temperatures reached around 356°F (180°C), and parts of the structure showed cracks and visible damage.
Mayelín Noel Beltrán, the brewery's deputy director, noted that the affected area had been out of operation for decades and was being dismantled to make way for a warehouse. The site housed cylinders of carbon dioxide, ammonia, and dry liquor, which heightened the alert level. "A security officer detected a smell of burnt rubber, then conducted a patrol and noticed smoke emerging from the roof," Beltrán recounted to the official Granma newspaper.
Investigations are ongoing, but preliminary theories suggest that a spark generated during the movement of metal structures may have ignited the fire. Journalist Lázaro Manuel Alonso reported that the fire likely began discreetly on Thursday afternoon or evening and spread to enclosed areas.
As soon as the fire broke out, evacuation orders were issued for 488 individuals from the 60th district of the Magdalena-Torrientes popular council. Among those evacuated were minors and a bedridden person. Additionally, classes were suspended in nearby educational institutions such as the 9 de Abril secondary school, the América Latina polytechnic, and the Guido Pérez Valdés primary school.
Emerio González Lorenzo, president of the Food Industry Business Group, confirmed that the fire originated from an old industrial refrigerator. Fortunately, no fatalities or injuries were reported. Cooling and cleaning efforts will continue in the coming days, alongside technical investigations to more precisely determine the fire's cause.
Nonetheless, many Cubans highlight the dangers posed by outdated industrial infrastructure in Cuba and question the safety protocols in place for facilities undergoing dismantlement.
Understanding the Cotorro Brewery Fire Incident
What caused the Cotorro brewery fire?
Preliminary investigations suggest that a spark from moving metal structures may have ignited the fire.
Were there any casualties in the Cotorro brewery fire?
No fatalities or injuries were reported as a result of the fire.
What materials were stored at the Cotorro brewery site?
The site contained cylinders of carbon dioxide, ammonia, and dry liquor, which increased the alert level during the fire.