P8-M worth of properties razed in city mart fire

CABANATUAN CITY — A three-hour fire reportedly ignited by a baby rocket that went astray burned down the supermarket at this city’s central business district Saturday night, destroying an estimated P8 million worth of properties, with a Nueva Ecija congressman seeking a thorough investigation of the incident on suspicion it was caused by arsonists.

Senior Inspector Cezar Balane, acting city fire marshall, said the fire was triggered when the baby rocket lit up by a vendor went astray and ignited a pile of pyrotechnics and firecrackers, burning down at least 30 stalls at the supermarket.

No one was reported hurt in the fire which also destroyed one owner-type jeep and three motorized tricycles.

Third district Rep. Aurelio Umali sought a full-dress investigation of the incident, saying he has received reports that it was caused by arsonists. "There are eyewitnesses who told me that arsonists were responsible for the fire," he told The STAR.

Umali, whose congressional district covers this city, said the incident has caused grief to the families of stall owners who sacrificed blood, sweat and tears to survive. "They have lost their means of livelihood because of this. If this fire was really caused by arsonists, it is regrettable," he said.

The fire reportedly started in front of the variety store of one Roger Ilagan at around 9:05 p.m. Saturday along Paco Roman St. and quickly spread in the rows of stalls stockpiled with pyrotechnics. — Manny Galvez