A massive fire swept through a private enterprise at the junction of Agua Dulce and San Benigno streets in Havana's El Cerro municipality this Sunday, according to footage shared by user Irma Lidia Broek on social media.
So far, Cuban authorities have remained silent, offering no official comment on the incident, its origins, the extent of the damage, or whether there are any victims.
The videos, captured at night, depict vibrant orange and red flames rising above low-lying structures, with a thick column of reddish smoke engulfing the neighborhood sky. The post quickly garnered over 10,000 views within hours.
In the footage, a witness can be heard lamenting, "There's not even a fire truck here," highlighting the insufficient emergency response to the sizable blaze.
The fire's severity was such that the burning smell reached far-off areas. One user remarked, "The burning stench is noticeable here in Tulipán and Ayestarán," a distant part of the Cerro municipality.
Residents and customers of the business expressed shock and sadness. One person commented, "So sad, I've purchased several high-quality items from this store, and the staff is very kind. My support goes to them." Another user mourned the loss of jobs for the workers and sympathized with the owners' material losses.
The Underlying Risks of Havana's Fires
The original post attributes the risk of such fires to "electrical accidents or motorbike explosions," within the context of the island's ongoing energy crisis.
This incident unfolds amid a broader crisis. Havana is plagued by power outages exceeding 12 hours daily, with nighttime electricity shortages surpassing 1,700 MW.
Compounding the crisis is a severe water scarcity: over 248,000 people in the capital lack regular water supply, with Cerro's neighborhoods among the hardest hit.
This combination—extended power cuts forcing reliance on motorbikes and makeshift generators, alongside water shortages complicating firefighting efforts—creates perilous conditions for small businesses operating under precarious circumstances.
Impact on Cuba's Small Enterprises
According to February 2026 data, 96% of Cuban small businesses are impacted by the fuel crisis, affecting roughly 11,300 authorized companies.
El Cerro is one of Havana's most densely populated areas, with aging infrastructure and high vulnerability to emergencies.
Cuba lacks a well-established private insurance system for businesses, meaning the destruction of a small business often results in the irreversible loss of the owners' investments and the workers' jobs.
This isn't the first time a fire has ravaged a small business on the island: in July 2025, a private enterprise's trailer linked to Transmarco was incinerated in Ciego de Ávila.
Understanding the Impacts of Havana's Energy Crisis
What are the main risks faced by small businesses in Havana?
Small businesses in Havana are mainly at risk due to prolonged power outages, water shortages, and the lack of an established private insurance system, making them vulnerable to incidents like fires.
How does the energy crisis in Cuba affect daily life?
The energy crisis leads to frequent power outages that exceed 12 hours daily, significantly disrupting daily activities and increasing reliance on motorbikes and generators, which pose additional risks.
Why is water scarcity a significant issue in Havana?
Water scarcity affects over 248,000 residents, complicating firefighting efforts and daily living conditions, especially in vulnerable neighborhoods like Cerro.