By Nanette Guadalquiver
BACOLOD CITY–The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) is investigating the fire that razed at least 31 stalls at the city’s Central Market in downtown Bacolod Friday morning.
A total of 18 stalls were destroyed, while 13 were damaged, based on the report of the BFP-Bacolod City Fire Station.
Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, who visited the site with Councilor Celia Flor, chairperson of the committee on markets, said personnel of the City Engineer’s Office secured the area and determined the next steps for rehabilitation.
“The BFP is still investigating the cause of the fire,” the mayor said.
Benitez said he met with the affected vendors and assured them of timely assistance from the city government to support their recovery.
“I remind everyone to practice fire safety by checking electrical installations, avoiding overloaded outlets, properly storing flammable materials, and staying alert to potential hazards,” he added.
In a report, the BFP said the fire, which started around 2:50 a.m. and was extinguished by 3:20 a.m., “caused extensive damage” estimated to cost PHP4.752 million.
Supt. Jenny Mae Masip, city fire marshal, said they conducted an initial investigation, but the BJMP-Western Visayas will deploy a team to Bacolod to initiate the main investigation.
“We have a standard operating procedure in the BFP that once a government structure is involved, the regional office takes over the investigation. The BFP-Bacolod is securing the fire scene while waiting for the regional investigation team to arrive,” she added. (PNA)
