Wednesday afternoon proved to be a challenging time for the firefighters in Santiago de Cuba as they responded to two emergencies within mere minutes of each other.
Aris Arias Batalla, the provincial head of Operations, Aid, and Aquatic Safety, reported on Facebook that at 5:57 p.m., they received a call from a delegate of the Vista Hermosa community. The call was about an elderly neighbor who had not been seen for several days, with his home locked from the inside.
A team from Station 1 Martí was dispatched to the scene and, finding no response, forced entry into the dwelling in the presence of local community leaders.
Inside, they discovered 70-year-old Cecilio de los Suitos Compta lying on the floor, severely dehydrated. He was urgently transported by the SIUM to a hospital for treatment.
As they were concluding the rescue, another alert came in: a fire at the Soy Processing Plant around 7:15 p.m.
The blaze began in the main control panel of the preparation building. However, quick action by Station 4 Vista Alegre and Rescue and Salvage technicians prevented the fire from spreading to other parts of the factory. No injuries or casualties were reported.
According to an on-duty worker, the fire might have ignited following the restoration of electricity, which caused sparks, leading to smoke emanating from the area. Specialists are currently investigating the incident's cause.
Later that evening, firefighters faced a third incident: a blaze at a landfill near the park, the Catholic church, a liquefied gas point, and a Panamericana store in the area known as La Barca de Oro.
Arias Batalla pointed out that if not for the swift response, the flames could have reached these facilities.
The expert criticized the social indiscipline and negligence of those who start fires in dumps, emphasizing that the city is in a dire situation after Hurricane Melissa, with debris-filled streets, shortages, inflation, and a surge in diseases like dengue and chikungunya.
In recent weeks, several fires have raised alarms across different parts of the country. A fire at a service center in Santa Clara startled employees and customers when a Lada car unexpectedly caught fire near one of the fuel pumps.
Although no injuries were reported, the incident prompted an evacuation due to the risk of a fuel explosion.
Additionally, the Parranderos de Cuba groups recently suffered significant material losses after a fire destroyed one of their work sheds, where they stored decorative structures.
Just days earlier, a gas cylinder explosion at a hotel in Villa Clara led to a fire that injured three people and triggered emergency protocols.
The flames were contained by firefighters before they could spread further, though the material damages to the facility were extensive.
Fire Emergencies in Santiago de Cuba: Key Questions Answered
What triggered the fire at the Soy Processing Plant?
The fire likely ignited after electricity was restored, causing sparks that led to smoke in the area. Investigations are ongoing to confirm the exact cause.
How did the firefighters manage the landfill fire near La Barca de Oro?
Firefighters responded swiftly to prevent the flames from spreading to nearby critical facilities, effectively containing the situation.
What is the current situation in Santiago de Cuba following the emergencies?
The city is facing significant challenges post-Hurricane Melissa, with debris, shortages, inflation, and a rise in diseases like dengue.