Business owners at the Old Public Market in San Carlos City, Pangasinan are devastated after a fire destroyed their stalls, leaving damage amounting to around P24 million.

Auria Martinez, a vendor at the Old Public Market in San Carlos City, couldn’t hold back tears as she looked at what remained of her stall.

Despite the dangers, she entered the market to see what was left of her livelihood, only to find everything reduced to ashes.

“Hindi ko matanggap sa dami ng paninda. [Sa] ilang oras lang, nawala na lahat sa amin. Ngayon, saan kami magsisimula? Wala kaming naisalba kahit isa,” Martinez said.

Martinez lost an estimated P1 million to the fire.

The aftermath of the fire has left more than 400 stall owners devastated.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) is still investigating the incident, as of this writing, to determine the cause.

“Magku-collect ng sample sa fire scene sa pinakaunang nasunog na stall tapos i-endorse sa national office para makita kung anong rason. Baka may foul play, kinu-consider din namin ‘yan,” FO3 Nelson Ferrer, the Incident Chief-in-Charge at the San Carlos City Fire Station, said.

The investigation will look into reports of an exploding cellphone and the possibility of arson.

The local government plans to meet with the stall owners affected to discuss possible assistance.

“Ni-relocate natin sila for the meantime while fixing ang area nila. Sa kagustuhan nila na makapagbenta mabilis, puro light materials ang kanilang ginamit,” Vice Mayor Joseres “Bogs” Resuello said.