Phnom Penh Food Stall Fire Damages Ground Floor, Electrical Shortage Suspected

Phnom Penh, August 8, 2026—A significant fire erupted at the 'Asrei Market Grand 3' food stall, a prominent establishment located opposite the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction, on August 8, at approximately 11:15 AM. The blaze, concentrated on the first floor, resulted in the complete destruction of a room and extensive damage to the stall's interior. The fire incident took place at the 'Asrei Market Grand 3' food stall, which is situated along Street 1003, Group 4, Village 4, in Sangkat Chrang Chomres 1, Khan Russey Keo, Phnom Penh. Eyewitness accounts indicate that prior to the outbreak, as rain began to fall, flames were observed rapidly engulfing a room on the first floor. This alarming development prompted nearby residents to immediately contact the fire department for intervention. Authorities from the Fire Prevention, Suppression, and Rescue Office of the Phnom Penh Municipal Police reported that five fire trucks were deployed to the scene. The firefighting efforts were successful in bringing the blaze under control and preventing it from spreading to adjacent areas. According to police reports, the food stall is a structure built with steel framing and a corrugated metal roof, measuring 12 meters in width and 15 meters in length. The proprietor of the establishment is identified as Ms. Asrei, a 47-year-old Cambodian female vendor. The fire specifically affected a room measuring 3 meters by 4 meters on the first floor, leading to the destruction of various items including an oxygen concentrator, a refrigerator, a telephone, fans, tables, and chairs, along with other assorted equipment. Investigators have preliminarily determined that the fire was caused by an electrical short circuit. Source: Koh Santepheap Khmer