A fire broke out late Sunday at the well-known Matanzas Metal Factory, causing significant concern among residents of the Playa neighborhood, particularly due to its proximity to a local high school.
According to reports from local media and social media posts, the blaze originated in a waste area of the Metal Forming Company, an industrial site located near the Cándido González Secondary School and an electrical substation in the area known as El Cocal.
Residents alerted authorities after spotting a column of dense black smoke visible from several parts of the neighborhood, according to Radio Havana Cuba journalist Yuni Moliner. The incident stirred anxiety among locals, as it occurred adjacent to homes and educational facilities.
The Fire Department promptly responded with at least two vehicles to combat the flames. As reported by the official Radio 26 and cited by government-affiliated journalist Arnaldo Mirabal, the fire was swiftly brought under control just minutes after specialized forces arrived.
Pedro Llerena, the company's director, stated that the fire erupted in exterior areas where industrial waste is accumulated, sparing the main factory facilities from damage.
The dark smoke that alarmed residents was reportedly caused by the burning of plastic waste stored on-site, which is derived from recycled materials used in production processes.
After extinguishing the fire, firefighters cleared the debris to prevent any potential reignition. No injuries have been reported, nor have there been any damages to the nearby school or residential buildings.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The Metal Forming Company, popularly referred to as the Cube Factory, is primarily involved in the production of gas cylinders. However, production has been hampered in recent years due to a shortage of raw materials, forcing the company to diversify its activities, including the sale of stoves made from recycled cylinders.
Key Details About the Matanzas Factory Fire
What caused the fire at the Matanzas Metal Factory?
The fire originated in an area where industrial waste is stored, with the burning of plastic waste believed to be the source of the dark smoke.
Were there any injuries caused by the fire?
No injuries have been reported, and there was no damage to nearby schools or residential areas.
How has the Metal Forming Company adapted to material shortages?
Due to a lack of raw materials, the company has diversified by producing and selling stoves made from recycled gas cylinders.