Cuba tames its largest fire, fuel depot locals begin to return

A firefighter works on the zone where fuel storage tanks exploded near Cuba's supertanker port in Matanzas, Cuba, August 9, 2022. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini

MATANZAS, Cuba (Reuters) - Massive clouds of steam rose from Cuba's largest fuel depot in Matanzas on Wednesday as firefighters, helicopters and boats poured water and foam on the smoldering remains of the largest fire in the island's history.

Black charcoal covered with white ash remained red hot after the flames died down. One firefighter was confirmed dead, and 14 were unaccounted for since blast on Saturday, according to authorities.