A blaze erupted in an impromptu trash heap on a bustling street in central Cárdenas on Wednesday night, raising alarms as the fire broke out at the intersection of Ayón and Coronel Verdugo streets—one of the busiest thoroughfares in the Matanzas city.
Independent journalist Christian Arbolaez reported the incident at 9:27 p.m., by which time firefighters were already battling the flames outside a colonial-era building.
According to the report, local residents described thick smoke billowing as fire units struggled to contain the blaze.
As of the report's release, there was no information regarding any injuries.
The images shared reveal active flames on the sidewalk, fueled by piled-up garbage, casting an orange glow on the ornate façade of the building.
This incident highlights once again the ongoing crisis in solid waste management that plagues Cárdenas and the entire Matanzas province.
Back in February 2026, only 11 out of the 24 garbage collection trucks in Matanzas were operational due to a severe diesel shortage, leading to massive waste accumulation in streets and corners.
Cárdenas has been identified as one of the areas with the highest trash buildup, with makeshift dumps on nearly every block, even in front of healthcare facilities.
This situation led to a provincial alert for Hepatitis A in April 2026 in the municipalities of Matanzas, Cárdenas, and Versalles, directly linked to the unhygienic conditions.
The pattern of trash fires in public areas has been recurring throughout Cuba since at least February 2026.
In Havana, a fire near the Church of San Judas Tadeo in Centro Habana released toxic smoke in April, and firefighters did not respond to residents' calls.
In March, the landfill known as "El Bote," the largest open-air dump in Cuba, reignited in the capital, spreading toxic fumes across residential areas.
The garbage crisis in Cuba, exacerbated by fuel shortages, has also led to a surge in arboviral diseases: more than 70% of the population in municipalities like Cárdenas was affected by dengue, chikungunya, and Zika during 2025.
Arbolaez summed up the concerns of many Cárdenas residents with a question that arises whenever they witness trash burning outside their homes: "If garbage were collected more frequently, how many fires like this could be prevented?"
Understanding the Trash Crisis in Cárdenas
What caused the trash fire in Cárdenas?
The fire was caused by an accumulation of trash in an impromptu heap at a busy intersection in central Cárdenas.
How is the waste management crisis affecting Cárdenas?
The waste management crisis in Cárdenas has led to significant trash accumulation, creating health hazards and contributing to incidents like trash fires.
What are the health implications of the garbage crisis?
The garbage crisis has been linked to outbreaks of diseases such as Hepatitis A and arboviral diseases like dengue, chikungunya, and Zika.