An elderly woman over the age of 60, identified as Adriana Roselló, sustained burns in a fierce blaze that erupted this Saturday on Gasómetro Street, between 4th and 6th streets, in the Mariana de la Torre neighborhood, Vista Hermosa, in Santiago de Cuba.
The fire was reportedly ignited by a pressure cooker left unattended on a wood-burning stove, as per local residents. The home's fragile construction, with several wooden structures, allowed the fire to spread swiftly, sending a plume of black smoke visible from various parts of the city, as detailed by journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada on his Facebook page.
Initially, Adriana Roselló was taken to the Joaquín Castillo Duany military hospital, but due to the severity of her injuries, she was later transferred to the Burn Unit at Juan Bruno Zayas Clinical Surgical Hospital, where she received specialized medical care.
Controversy Over Initial Official Statements
Mayeta, who followed the incident closely, reported that Roselló's condition is serious but stable and not life-threatening. He also criticized the leaders of the Rescue and Salvage Corps for hastily assuring the public that there were no injuries.
A local resident recounted the challenges faced in reaching the fire department. "The firefighters weren't answering the phone, everyone was calling. I'm here right now; if the fire isn't put out quickly, it will spread to the backyards of the houses on the stairway," he explained.
"The truth cannot be concealed with rushed statements or convenient silences. When the fire speaks, lies burn too," Mayeta concluded in his report.
Underlying Issues Exacerbate Fire Risks
This fire occurs amid a structural crisis that has seen at least six significant fires in Santiago de Cuba between February and April, including one that left five children homeless on Gallo 110 Street and another that forced the evacuation of 12 patients from Saturnino Lora Hospital.
The nationwide electricity shortage, with prolonged blackouts lasting over 20 hours daily, forces families to cook using wood or charcoal, significantly increasing the risk of household fires.
Compounding this situation, five months after Hurricane Melissa damaged more than 106,500 homes in the province of Santiago de Cuba, only 17% have been repaired, leaving thousands of families in precarious constructions highly vulnerable to fire hazards.
Frequently Asked Questions About Santiago de Cuba Fire
What caused the fire in Santiago de Cuba?
The fire was caused by a pressure cooker left unattended on a wood-burning stove, according to local residents.
How is Adriana Roselló's condition?
Adriana Roselló's condition is serious but stable and not life-threatening, according to journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada.
Why are fires becoming more frequent in Santiago de Cuba?
The frequency of fires is increasing due to the national electricity shortage, which forces families to cook with wood or charcoal, heightening the risk of domestic fires.