A Cuban mother and her two young children, one just seven months old and the other four, were left homeless on Thursday, October 15, after a devastating fire completely demolished their modest home in the western part of Las Tunas.
The incident unfolded around two in the afternoon. The woman had left her house with her children to gather firewood for cooking. Upon her return, she was met with the horrific sight of her home engulfed in flames, while neighbors desperately tried to extinguish the fire, according to a plea for help shared on Facebook.
Reports indicate that the mother had left a stove burning outside her home before heading to a nearby dump to collect wood.
Alerted by the neighbors' frantic shouts, she rushed back, but it was too late to save the small dwelling, primarily constructed of wood and cardboard.
The fire consumed the home and all the family's belongings, leaving them in urgent need of assistance to meet their most basic needs.
Photos accompanying the aid request depict a heart-wrenching scene: charred wood remnants, zinc sheets warped by the intense heat, and debris blanketed in ash.
In one particularly poignant image, the mother is seen holding her baby amidst the ruins of what used to be their home.
The Growing Reliance on Firewood in Cuba
This tragedy highlights a harsh reality in a country where prolonged power outages and difficulties in obtaining domestic gas have forced numerous families to resort to wood and charcoal stoves for cooking.
Back in March, images from Santiago de Cuba showed makeshift wood stoves on apartment balconies, illustrating how some residents have had to improvise amid shortages of electricity and fuel.
The precarious nature of many homes increases the risks associated with open flames, especially those constructed from wood, cardboard, and other flammable materials.
In February, a mother of three in Santiago de Cuba lost all her possessions to a fire. She publicly appealed for help after authorities informed her they lacked the resources to assist her.
Rebuilding a home post-fire is further complicated by Cuba's ongoing housing crisis. According to official figures reported by EFE in July 2026, the island faces a deficit of over 800,000 homes.
Community Rallies for Support
Following the fire in Las Tunas, those close to the family launched a solidarity campaign to gather food, clothing, and essential items for the children.
Immediate needs include milk, diapers, and other supplies for the seven-month-old, alongside clothing and shoes for the mother and her children.
They are also seeking mattresses, sheets, basic food items, and construction materials to help rebuild their home.
Those interested in contributing can reach out via WhatsApp at the publicly shared number 51324539. The organizers emphasize that all donations should be coordinated exclusively through this channel and warn that Facebook is not being used for managing contributions.
The social media message urges individuals unable to donate to share the plea for help, extending its reach to those willing to assist.
"Today for them, tomorrow for any of us!" the post concludes.
FAQs about Firewood Use and Housing Crisis in Cuba
Why are more Cubans using firewood for cooking?
Due to prolonged power outages and the scarcity of domestic gas, many Cuban families have been compelled to turn to firewood and charcoal as alternative cooking methods.
What are the risks associated with using firewood in Cuban homes?
Using firewood in homes constructed from flammable materials like wood and cardboard significantly increases the risk of fires, as demonstrated by recent incidents in Las Tunas and Santiago de Cuba.
How severe is the housing crisis in Cuba?
Cuba is experiencing a substantial housing crisis, with a reported deficit exceeding 800,000 homes, complicating efforts to rebuild after disasters like fires.