Politics · Philippines Bureau
Five dead as massive fire destroys Sorsogon City Public Market
A devastating fire swept through the Sorsogon City Public Market late Saturday, claiming five lives and displacing more than 400 vendors. Authorities are working to identify victims while the provincial government moves to establish temporary trading facilities.
LSN Philippines ·
SORSOGON CITY — A major fire engulfed the Sorsogon City Public Market late Saturday night, resulting in five deaths and leaving hundreds of merchants without a place to conduct business. Emergency responders rushed to the scene as the blaze consumed the marketplace, destroying merchandise and infrastructure in its path. Authorities have launched identification efforts for the victims, while damage assessments continue.
The incident has prompted swift action from government agencies to assist those affected. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) regional office in Bicol provided P10,000 in emergency cash assistance to each displaced vendor. Officials emphasized that additional support measures were being coordinated to help the trading community recover from the losses.
The provincial government has begun preparing a temporary trading area to allow vendors to resume their commercial activities. Municipal and provincial officials have indicated that rehabilitation efforts will proceed in phases, with priority given to addressing immediate needs of the affected families and merchants. Investigators continue working to determine the cause of the fire.