London, 10 August 2022 (TDI): The Assistant General Secretary of the UK Fire Brigades Union, Andy Dark, sent a message of solidarity to the General Secretary of the Central of Workers of Cuba (CTC), Ulises Guilarte de Nacimiento, over fires in Matanzas.
The UK Fire Brigades Union sends a message of solidarity to the Central of Workers of Cuba and Cuban firefighters following the fires at the Matanzas Supertanker Base.#FuerzaMatanzas
📌https://t.co/1eWsPNDuz1 pic.twitter.com/oF87r8dvhg
— EmbaCuba-UK (@EmbaCuba_UK) August 9, 2022
In the solidarity message, Andy Dark expressed deep sadness over the tragic fires in Matanzas, Cuba.
The Assistant General Secretary of the UK Fire Brigades Union said that team has been following the tragic developments in the five-day-long fires. Further, Andy Dark praised the efforts of the CTC in mitigating the effects of fire and extinguishing it.
He added that the Cuban firefighters have selflessly intervened in the fires to save lives, and protect homes, and the economic infrastructure. The Assistant Secretary-General further expressed deep sadness over the missing reports of the 17 Cuban firefighters.
Ending the message, the Assistant General Secretary of the UK Fire Brigades Union said that we stand in solidarity with Cuban firefighters and the CTC.
Also read: Cuba’s Foreign Minister congratulates Bolivia on Independence Day
Fire in Matanzas
Matanzas is Cuba’s largest port for receiving crude oil and fuel imports. The island is mainly used to generate electricity as heavy Cuban crude oil, fossil fuel and diesel are stored here.
On Friday evening, lightning struck one fuel storage tank and set an uncontrollable fire in the city. The four explosions and flames injured 121 people. Additionally, 17 Cuban firefighters also went missing during the explosions.
The fire spread to another oil storage tank by Sunday and engulfed the complete four-tank area by Monday. Firefighters and specialists from multiple countries stood in solidarity with the Cuban firefighters and lend their support. These included firefighters from Mexico, Venezuela, Angola, Spain and the UK.
The President of Cuba, Miguel Diaz Canel, said that the situation of fire is under control. The President added that the crews are taking further steps to quell the fire.
