ZAMBOANGA CITY — A seven-hour fire destroyed a 1,509-square-meter section of the Zamboanga City main public market early Friday morning, causing an estimated P18.1 million in damages and displacing dozens of local traders.

Mayor Khymer Adan Taing Olaso said the blaze tore through the fruit and vegetable sections of the Magay Public Market, specifically engulfing Buildings E and F.

The fire was first reported at 11:20 p.m. Thursday. It escalated to a third alarm by 1:28 a.m. Friday as flames spread through the mercantile structures. Firefighters battled the blaze for nearly seven hours before declaring it out at 5:52 a.m.

Zamboanga City District Fire Marshal F/Supt. Leo S. Pioquinto said initial findings suggest the fire originated in the ceiling of two stalls in Building E, which were occupied by a local eatery.

No casualties or injuries were reported, though the fire devastated the livelihoods of vendors in two of the market’s busiest areas.

“The fruit and vegetable sections were destroyed, leaving traders displaced and uncertain about when they can resume operations,” Olaso said.

A total of 16 units responded to the scene, including 11 firetrucks from various sub-stations. They were supported by four ambulances and water tankers from the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.

Fire officials said the coordinated effort prevented the flames from spreading to adjacent sections of the market.

Investigators observed severe damage, including collapsed roofing and deformed steel frames. While the exact cause remains under investigation, physical evidence has been collected for laboratory analysis.

The city government, which owns the market, is expected to announce rehabilitation plans in the coming days.