SCIENCE CITY OF MUÑOZ, NUEVA ECIJA — A devastating, fast-moving fire tore through the public market here in the early hours of Sunday morning, June 28, 2026 destroying numerous stalls and leaving local vendors in shock.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) reported that the blaze erupted shortly after 2:00 AM, rapidly spreading through sections of the market complex. Heavy plumes of dark smoke filled the pre-dawn sky as fire engines from Muñoz and neighboring municipalities rushed to the scene to prevent the inferno from engulfing adjacent residential and commercial properties.

According to initial reports, the fire quickly gained traction due to the highly combustible materials stored inside the dry goods and clothing sections of the market. First responders immediately faced intense heat and thick smoke upon arrival.

Fire crews fought the blaze for several hours, deploying multiple hoses to surround the perimeter. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as nearby residents woke up to the sound of crackling flames and emergency sirens, with a few brave stall owners attempting to salvage whatever merchandise they could from the edge of the market grounds.

By morning, firefighting teams successfully controlled the blaze and declared "fire out," preventing it from triggering a wider disaster across the town center. Fortunately, because the fire occurred well before normal operating hours, no initial casualties or serious injuries were reported among the civilian population or the market staff.

"The fire broke out past 2 a.m. while the city was asleep, destroying a major livelihood hub for our local vendors in just a matter of hours." — Local Emergency Response Summary

Arson investigators from the Muñoz City Fire Station are currently on-site conducting a thorough investigation to identify the exact point of origin and the cause of the fire, looking into options ranging from electrical failure to unattended appliances.

The destruction presents a severe economic blow to the local vendor community. Local government units are expected to assess the structural damage and coordinate emergency assistance, including identifying temporary relocation sites so displaced market sellers can resume their livelihoods as quickly as possible.