Minglanilla public market fire razes 40 stalls

CEBU, Philippines — Around 40 stalls inside the Minglanilla Public Market, also known as Ward 1 Market, in Minglanilla, Cebu, were destroyed by a fire that broke out past 9 a.m. on Friday, August 14.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Minglanilla initially estimated the damage at around P300,000, but stressed that the figure remains subject to further assessment.

BFP Minglanilla investigator SO2 Wilmar Alicante said the initial estimate was based on the square-meter measurement of the affected area.

He said the amount could still change once the assessment of the total damage to the affected stalls and properties is completed.

As of this writing, no injuries or casualties have been reported following the fire.

The BFP Minglanilla said it received the fire report at 9:57 a.m., prompting firefighters to immediately respond to the market.

Due to the extent of the blaze, the BFP raised the incident to the third alarm at 10:05 a.m. as firefighters worked to contain the flames and prevent them from spreading to other sections of the market.

Acting Mayor Lheslen Abella Enad said the fire was declared under control at 10:35 a.m. after firefighters managed to contain the blaze.

The BFP later declared the fire out at 10:50 a.m. Authorities are still assessing the final extent of the damage.

Meanwhile, the BFP Minglanilla continues to investigate the cause and origin of the fire, as well as the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Authorities are expected to provide an updated assessment of the total damage once the evaluation is completed. (CEBU NEWS)