A fire broke out on the afternoon of March 10, 2025, at the INPUD factory (National Industrial Producer of Household Utensils) in Santa Clara, causing damage to an electrical transformer and disrupting the power supply in the area. Official spokesperson Henry Omar Pérez announced on Facebook that the blaze, fueled by strong winds, rapidly spread and reached part of the company's electrical infrastructure.
Teams from the Ministry of the Interior, the Fire Department, and INPUD employees quickly responded to contain the flames and minimize further damage. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the main infrastructure of the factory remained intact, according to the general director, Marisel Montero Lago.
Currently, electric company officials are assessing the damage to the transformer to determine the impact on the service and carry out necessary repairs. Fires have become a frequent and alarming issue in Cuba, threatening both infrastructure and homes, and endangering residents' lives.
Recently, several significant fires have been reported across the country. The most recent incident occurred in Santiago de Cuba, where a fire ravaged an old cement factory. Preliminary reports indicate the fire spread swiftly through the abandoned structure, creating a thick column of smoke. Authorities are investigating the cause of the inferno.
In Havana, a family lost all their possessions after a fire engulfed their home in minutes, leaving them homeless and reliant on the support of neighbors and friends. That same day, a large fire consumed an apartment, with the causes yet to be clarified.
Tragically, an elderly man lost his life in a fire at his home near a market in Cuba. The fire caught the man by surprise in the early morning, and he couldn't be rescued in time.
Public spaces have also been affected by fire. A pavilion in Playa Girón was completely destroyed in a massive blaze, and a warehouse in Varadero was engulfed in flames, resulting in considerable material losses.
These incidents highlight the vulnerability of many structures in Cuba and underscore the urgent need to improve prevention measures and emergency response capabilities.
Understanding the Fire Incidents in Cuba
What caused the fire at the INPUD factory in Santa Clara?
The fire at the INPUD factory was exacerbated by strong winds, which helped it spread quickly to the electrical infrastructure, causing a power disruption.
Have there been other significant fires in Cuba recently?
Yes, several major fires have occurred recently in Cuba, including incidents in Santiago de Cuba, Havana, Playa Girón, and Varadero, affecting both private properties and public spaces.
What measures are being taken to address the fire outbreaks in Cuba?
Authorities are currently evaluating the damage and working on necessary repairs, while there is a pressing need for improved prevention strategies and emergency response measures.