A fire hit 31 stalls at the Bacolod Central Market causing extensive damage estimated at P4,752,000 at 2:50 a.m. Friday, Dec. 13, FSupt. Jenny Mae Masip, Bacolod Fire Marshal said.
The fire destroyed 18 stalls and damaged 13 others leaving many of the vendors, who were not able to save their goods from the fire, in tears.
Two stalls were also looted, and two thieves were arrested.
Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, who was at the fire scene with Bacolod Councilor Celia Flor, said city engineers were tasked to secure the area and to come up with a rehabilitation plan.
“I also spoke with the vendors and assured them that the city will provide timely assistance to support their recovery,” he said.
Flor, Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Markets chair, said Bonifacio Street will designated as a temporary relocation site for the affected vendors.
“The fire-hit area will be boarded up so 12 more stalls, on top of the 31, will be affected”, Flor said.
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) is still investigating the cause of the fire, Benitez said.
The BFP will also be asked to audit the three major Bacolod markets and come up with a recommendation to prevent future fires, he said.
“I remind everyone to practice fire safety by checking electrical installations, avoiding overloaded outlets, properly storing flammable materials, and staying alert to potential hazards,” Benitez said.*