By JEN BAYLON

An early morning fire at the Bacolod City Central Public Market yesterday left an estimated P4.75 million in damages, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Bacolod said.

BFP-Bacolod Fire Officer 2 Anthony Val Isansa said the fire, which started at 2:52 a.m., destroyed 18 market stalls and partially damaged 13 others.

Isansa said among the damaged stalls were eateries, grocery stores and tailoring shops.

A fire out was declared at 3:20 a.m.

No tenants were inside the market at the time of the fire, he added.

He said they encountered challenges as they worked to penetrate the structure and combat the flames.

Isansa said an investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the fire, with some different factors being considered.

Meanwhile, the Bacolod City government will find a temporary facility for stall owners affected by the fire at the Central Public Market.

Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez said the city government will also seek a financial assistance program for the fire victims.

Benitez ordered BFP-Bacolod to conduct an audit of the market, as well as the Libertad Public Market and Burgos Public Market, recommending how to prevent fires.

The Sangguniang Panlungsod is also open to give relief to vendors if they want to conduct a night market./JB, WDJ