Massive Fire Engulfs Bien Hoa Market, 7 Stalls Damaged

A massive fire broke out at Bien Hoa Market in Bien Hoa City, Dong Nai Province, on the evening of August 5th. The blaze, which began around 8:10 PM, originated from a stall selling rattan and decorative items and quickly spread to several adjacent kiosks. Thick black smoke billowed hundreds of meters into the sky, visible from afar. The market's proximity to densely populated residential areas raised concerns among locals about the fire spreading. Mr. Van, a resident living near the market, recounted hearing shouts of 'fire' while watching television at home. Upon rushing outside, he witnessed intense smoke and flames. Local residents and stall owners attempted to extinguish the fire with water, but their efforts were unsuccessful. As the fire penetrated deeper into the market, explosions and the sound of shattering glass were frequent. Many shops were already closed, and residents' hoses could not reach the interior fire sources, Mr. Van stated. Over 10 specialized fire trucks, including ladder trucks, and military equipment were deployed to the scene. Firefighters approached from multiple directions, spraying water to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to the surrounding residential areas. According to Mr. Nguyen Duy Tan, Chairman of the Tran Bien Ward People's Committee, the affected kiosks primarily sold rattan products and baskets, which are highly flammable, contributing to the rapid spread of the fire. The Tran Bien Ward People's Committee and the Military Command were also mobilized for traffic control and firefighting support. Authorities instructed residents in the vicinity of the fire to temporarily evacuate for safety. Mr. Tan stated that efforts are currently focused on extinguishing the fire, and damage assessment has not yet been completed. He confirmed that the fire was initially brought under control and did not spread to neighboring houses. A leader from Tran Bien Ward reported that a total of seven kiosks were affected, with two on the ground floor and five on the upper level. The value of property and goods lost has not yet been calculated. Bien Hoa Market, spanning over 8,100 square meters, is a Grade 1 market located in the central urban area of Bien Hoa City. It comprises approximately 300 kiosks across two blocks and a two-story central building. With a long history, it once served as a vital trading hub for the region and currently offers a wide range of goods including food, clothing, household items, and consumer products. Information Source: VnExpress