A FIRE hits the public market in Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte on Thursday. (Pasuquin PH FB)
PASUQUIN, Ilocos Norte – A fire gutted the second floor of the old public market here on Thursday morning, destroying several stalls and displacing vendors, authorities said.
Acting Fire Senior Insp. Roy Bonoan said the fire started on the western side of the market and was reported to the Bureau of Fire Protection around 10:37 a.m.
The blaze lasted for nearly two hours and destroyed about seven stalls selling ready-to-wear clothing and other merchandise.
No injuries or casualties were reported.
Bonoan said investigators are still determining the cause of the fire, noting that the presence of combustible materials such as cardboard boxes and plastic items contributed to the rapid spread of the flames.
Vendors occupying the affected area will be temporarily displaced pending the results of the investigation.
Mayor Robert Aguinaldo said the municipal government will coordinate with the local council to determine the assistance to be provided to affected stall owners.
He added that displaced vendors may temporarily relocate to the front portion of the old market once clearing operations are completed. (PNA)