Fire destroys trade centre stalls in Gia Lai

GIA LAI — A fire broke out at Kông Chro Trade Centre in Gia Lai Province, destroying many kiosks and stalls, in the early hours of Monday.

There have been no casualties, but the financial loss is to the tune of VNĐ1 billion (US$44,400), initial reports said.

The blaze started around 12.30am in a kiosk selling clothes and cosmetics, and spread quickly, completely burning down 11 kiosks and 47 stalls in the trade centre, the Kông Chro District police said. Goods in the rest of the kiosks and stalls were successfully moved to safety.

Around 40 fire-fighters and policemen and locals joined hands to put out the fire. The blaze spread quickly as the weather was hot and dry and the goods being sold, such as fabric, clothes and dried food products, were easily inflammable. The fire was finally extinguished at 7am.

Phan Văn Trung, chairman of Kông Chro District People’s Committee, said the district authority has mobilised competent forces to ensure security at the market to prevent looting.

Trung said the district authority is also calculating damages to come up with measures to help the affected small entrepreneurs. It will study plans to arrange for new places for these stall owners to reopen their businesses soon.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire. — VNS