Major Fire Hits Angeles Pampang Public Market — Hundreds of Stalls Damaged, Sari-Sari and Wet Market Sections Temporarily Closed

📌 A fire broke out at around 7:00 PM on Wednesday, September 16, at the Pampang Public Market, the largest market in Angeles City, damaging hundreds of stalls.
The fire was brought under control before midnight and no fatalities were reported, but parts of the market have been temporarily closed and hundreds of vendors have lost their livelihoods.

■ Fire Details
· Reported to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP Angeles) shortly after 7:00 PM on September 16. It started at Passage 1 and rapidly spread to the sari-sari (variety store) section.
· Reached the highest alarm level around 10:00 PM (reports vary between 4th and 5th alarm). Around 10 fire trucks were deployed, including volunteer fire brigades from Angeles and nearby areas, Pasig, Makati, and Pateros.
· Fire out was declared at around 11:30 PM. The affected area is the old market building housing the sari-sari section and the wet market (fish and meat) section.
· Reports vary on the number of damaged stalls, ranging from about 300 to over 400. The cause of the fire is currently being investigated by the fire department.

■ City Actions
· Mayor Carmelo "Jon" Lazatin II ordered the temporary closure of the sari-sari and wet market sections for safety inspections. Reopening will depend on the recommendations of the fire department.
· Following reports of attempted looting at the burnt stalls, the market management urged restraint, and additional police personnel were deployed.
· The city is reviewing the profiling of affected vendors, emergency assistance in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and setting up temporary vending spaces in a safe location.
· The district representative and the mayor requested 300 million pesos from the President for the market's reconstruction (not yet approved).

■ Notice for Expats and Travelers
· The sari-sari and wet market sections of the Pampang Market will be closed or only partially open for the time being. Please check city hall or local updates before going grocery shopping.
· Because the aisles inside the market are narrow and stalls are close together, fires spread quickly. In crowded markets, make sure to note the entrance and exit routes beforehand.

■ Sources
GMA News (9/16), DZRH (9/16), Daily Tribune (9/17), BusinessMirror (9/17), SunStar (9/17), The Voice Newsweekly (9/17, 9/22)

■ Photos
Fire trucks and residents in front of the burning market (Daily Tribune), market fire lighting up the night sky (DZRH, citizen contribution), Angeles City Hall emergency meeting held the day after the fire (SunStar)