BACOLOD CITY — A fire hit 31 stalls at the Bacolod Central Market on Friday, Dec. 13, causing extensive damage pegged at P4,752,000.
Fire Supt. 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.
Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, who was at the scene with Bacolod Councilor Celia Flor, said city engineers were tasked to secure the area and come up with a rehabilitation plan.
“I also spoke with vendors and assured them that the city will provide timely assistance to support their recovery,” he said.
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Flor, the city council’s committee on markets chairperson, said Bonifacio Street will be designated as a temporary relocation site for the affected vendors.
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) is still investigating the cause of the fire.
Benitez said the BFP will be asked to audit three major Bacolod markets and provide recommendations to prevent future fires.
“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 said.
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