Blaze razes Barili firecracker stalls

A fire triggered by a firecracker test destroyed more than 10 vending stalls Sunday night in a designated pyrotechnics zone in Cebu province, authorities said.

Reports disclosed that the fire broke out at approximately 9:50 p.m. in Barangay Minolos. According to a local resident and radio broadcaster, the blaze began when a buyer ignited a “five-star” triangular firecracker to test it.

The ignited firecracker reportedly struck other merchandise, setting off a chain reaction of explosions that quickly spread through the makeshift structures.

It also indicated that two men, who appeared to be intoxicated, purchased the firecracker and lit it in close proximity to the stalls.

The local government had authorized approximately 20 makeshift stalls to operate in the area, which was designated as an official 24-hour firecracker zone for the holiday season.

Many vendors typically sleep inside the structures to guard their inventory.

No immediate injuries were reported, though the fire caused extensive property damage just days before New Year’s Eve.