A devastating fire swept through Bacolod Central Market early Friday morning, destroying 18 stalls and damaging 13 others. The incident, which occurred in the heart of downtown Bacolod, prompted an immediate response from local authorities. Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, accompanied by Councilor Celia Flor, visited the site to assess the damage and coordinate recovery efforts. The mayor emphasized the importance of fire safety, urging residents to check electrical installations and manage flammable materials carefully to prevent future incidents. The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) reported that the fire started at approximately 2:50 a.m. and was brought under control by 3:20 a.m., with damages estimated at PHP4.752 million. The BFP is currently investigating the cause of the fire, with a regional team from BJMP-Western Visayas set to take over the investigation due to the involvement of a government structure. Mayor Benitez has assured affected vendors of prompt assistance from the city government to aid in their recovery.
