Photo by Tsiboy Mallari
LUCENA CITY, Philippines—A fire of still unknown origin razed the city public market here Wednesday evening.
Lucena Mayor Roderick Alcala said the fire started in the middle section of the market located along Claro M. Recto Street at around 9:15 p.m.
As of this posting, the whole market building that occupied one whole block was already burned down except its fruit section located along the side of the street.
“Hopefully, the fire will be contained before it spreads to the neighboring commercial stores,” Alcala, who was at the fire scene, said over the phone when contacted by the Inquirer early on.
Firefighters from the neighboring towns of Sariaya, Tayabas and Pagbilao helped local firemen in controlling the fire.
Supt. Rey Allen Co, Lucena police chief, said he immediately dispatched policemen to prevent looting.
Merrymakers from a mardi gras-style celebration being held at the city’s downtown area three blocks away from the burning market rushed to the fire scene. The night revelry is part of the annual weeklong festivities dubbed as “Pasayahan sa Lucena” that culminates on May 30, coinciding with the feast of Saint Ferdinand, the patron saint of Lucena.
Co said the fire was placed under control around 11 p.m. Wednesday
“But the firemen have yet to declare fire off. Some firemen are still putting out the remaining fire at the middle of the razed market,” he said.