Baguio City, Philippines - The City Fire Marshal has declared that the fire that broke out in the city market at around 11 pm on March 11, 2023, has been put out at 4:38 am on March 12, 2023. Initial estimates indicate that the fire caused damage worth around P24 million.

Baguio Market Fire
Photo courtesy of Daryll Longid

According to City Fire Marshal Supt. Marisol Odiver, the fire originated in the Block 4 extension area at the Wagwagan section near the chicken livestock. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined as investigation is still ongoing.

The fire ravaged the entire Block 4 and most of Block 3 and the caldero section. A newly purchased service vehicle of the City Government, stationed in its office at Block 4, was also gutted by the flames.


Watch: Market Fire taken at 11:30PM


Despite the significant damage caused by the fire, Baguio City Market Superintendent Ceasar Emilio announced that the market will remain open, except for the burned areas of Blocks 3 and 4 and the Caldero Section. The city is fast-tracking the relocation of the affected vendors to ensure that they can resume operations as soon as possible.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development Office and the City Social Welfare and Development Office have also announced that they will be providing immediate assistance to all the affected market vendors, particularly those occupying Blocks 3 and 4. The operations center is located at the Rillera Building, and assistance will be provided starting at 10 am today.

The City Government has assured the public that it will do everything possible to support the affected vendors and investigate the cause of the fire. The incident serves as a reminder to everyone to be vigilant and take all necessary precautions to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

In light of the recent fire incident in Baguio City Market, it is important to note that March is Fire Prevention Month. The Bureau of Fire Protection is urging the public to be vigilant and take necessary precautions to prevent fires. The agency has launched an information campaign to raise awareness on fire safety measures and is reminding everyone to regularly check and maintain their fire safety equipment. Let us all do our part to prevent fires and ensure the safety of our homes and communities.