Biên Hòa Market Fire: Authorities Investigate Cause of Major Blaze

A large-scale fire broke out in Biên Hòa Market in Biên Hòa City, the capital of Đồng Nai Province in southeastern Vietnam, prompting authorities to launch an investigation into its cause. On the morning of August 6, the Đồng Nai Provincial Police, in coordination with relevant units, were conducting on-site inspections and investigating the cause of the major fire at Biên Hòa Market. According to observations by reporters from the Nhan Dan newspaper, on the morning of August 6, roads around the fire scene continued to be cordoned off by functional forces, with dozens of officers and fire trucks on standby to prevent any resurgence of the blaze. On the same morning, the Đồng Nai Provincial Police, in collaboration with relevant units and Trấn Biên Ward, carried out on-site inspections, assessed damage, and investigated the cause. Leaders and technical staff from the Đồng Nai Provincial Department of Construction were present at the scene to survey and assess the structure of the damaged market area, which is at risk of collapse due to the fire, and to formulate safety plans. Given the potential for collapse in the affected area, authorities have imposed strict access restrictions for residents. Following the complete extinguishment of the fire on the evening of August 5, the Chairman of the Đồng Nai Provincial People's Committee issued a document assigning the Provincial Police to investigate the cause of the Biên Hòa Market fire, assess damages, and handle the incident within their authority. According to the Đồng Nai Provincial Police, upon receiving the report, the Fire Prevention and Fighting Police Department mobilized hundreds of officers and more than 30 vehicles to the scene to combat the fire. The fire originated in a two-story reinforced concrete kiosk area. The interior contained a large quantity of flammable goods such as fabrics, plastics, rubber, and rattan products, which caused the fire to spread rapidly and posed a risk of extending to adjacent structures. Upon arrival, firefighting forces immediately conducted reconnaissance and deployed multiple teams to extinguish the fire, cool the area, prevent further spread, and protect surrounding structures. While no human casualties were reported, significant property damage occurred across an area of approximately 900 square meters, with most assets being almost completely destroyed. The Trấn Biên Ward People's Committee stated that property damage is currently being assessed. To ensure the safety of the potentially collapsing fire zone, police continue to maintain a cordon, preventing the public from accessing the site. Trấn Biên Ward has requested relevant units to inform vendors not to enter the fire-affected area and has deployed guards around the unstable sections to guarantee safety.