A fire broke out at a firecracker zone in Barangay Minolos, Barili, Cebu, on Sunday night, Dec. 28, destroying several temporary stalls selling pyrotechnics.
Authorities said the blaze started after an unidentified customer allegedly lit a “triangle” firecracker near one of the stalls. The firecracker reportedly landed on nearby merchandise, triggering a series of small explosions that quickly spread the flames.
The area contained multiple temporary stalls stocked with firecrackers for the holiday season. Once ignited, the fire intensified as the stored pyrotechnics began to explode, making it difficult to immediately control the blaze.
Initial assessments showed that at least nine stalls were affected by the fire. The incident caused an estimated P27,000 in property damage, according to local officials.
No injuries were reported in the incident. The fire was eventually put out, preventing it from spreading to nearby residential areas.
Photos taken after the fire showed charred stall remains and scattered firecrackers along the roadside, highlighting the extent of the damage left by the blaze.
Local authorities have launched an investigation to identify the person responsible for lighting the firecracker and to determine if safety regulations were violated. Officials are also reviewing firecracker zone safety measures to prevent similar incidents.
Firecracker zones are commonly set up during the holiday season to regulate the sale of pyrotechnics and reduce fire risks in residential areas. However, authorities continue to remind the public to follow safety rules and avoid lighting firecrackers near vendors or storage areas.
The investigation remains ongoing.
