Ilocos norte: A fire gutted the second floor of the old public market here on Thursday morning, destroying several stalls and displacing vendors, authorities said. Acting Fire Senior Inspector Roy Bonoan reported that the fire started on the western side of the market and was reported to the Bureau of Fire Protection around 10:37 a.m.

According to Philippines News Agency, the blaze lasted for nearly two hours and destroyed about seven stalls selling ready-to-wear clothing and other merchandise. Fortunately, no injuries or casualties were reported in the incident.

Bonoan stated that investigators are still determining the cause of the fire, emphasizing that the presence of combustible materials such as cardboard boxes and plastic items contributed to the rapid spread of the flames. Vendors occupying the affected area will be temporarily displaced pending the results of the investigation.

Mayor Robert Aguinaldo mentioned that the municipal government will coordinate with the local council to determine the assistance to be provided to affected stall owners. He also noted that displaced vendors may temporarily relocate to the front portion of the old market once clearing operations are completed.