Sunday, April 13, 2008 [ sunstar.com.ph ]
BAGUIO CITY -- It's good news to some and terrible news for more, as the second fire to strike the central business district this month could pave the way for the rehabilitation of Baguio City's public market.
An estimated P3 million worth of government and private property went up in flames, after a fire hit the sari-sari section of Baguio old market building at dawn last Friday.
According to Baguio Fire Station (BFS) Marshal Jovencio Marquez, although an investigation was still ongoing last Friday night, initial findings disclosed that the blaze originated at the ceiling joist along the alley behind stall 201 of the building.
"There were no casualties and injuries reported as a result of this fire," firefighter Marquez said.
An initial investigation into the conflagration revealed that three security guards on duty first heard "crackling sounds" emanating in the ceiling joist and noticed the fire "followed the main electrical wires" at 4:20 a.m. Friday.
This prompted them to report this to the Market Task Force or Station 1 of the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) Station 7 located nearby.
A caller from there, who only identified himself as Leo, immediately notified the BFS about it after receiving the alarm.
"Three fire trucks with complete crews responded to the fire scene and were able to put it out by 5:20 am," Marquez said.
The three-hour blaze prompted Baguio Mayor Reinaldo Bautista Jr. to stress the need to rehabilitate the entire market area and make it safer for everyone going to the public market.
For about a decade, development of the city's primary market has been stifled by the ongoing case among the City Government, the various market organizations, and Uniwide Realty Development Corp. The court is expected to decide on the case this year.
The city fire marshal also recommended the immediate rehabilitation of buildings in the entire market to avoid the occurrence of another fire. (Sun.Star Baguio/Sunnex)
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