At least 10 stores were razed by fire at a public market in Nuro Upi, Maguindanao del Norte.

According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Maguindanao del Norte, among the structures affected were stores that sold plastic wares, ready-to-wear clothes, toys, and firecrackers.

Investigators are still looking into the cause of the fire.

“Nakikita namin ang origin ng fire sa may bandang gitna, tinutukoy naman ng ibang witnesses according sa kanila, pero ipa-verify pa namin yan. Hindi pa naman masabi kung doon nag-originate ang fire kasi under investigation pa,” Maguindanao del Norte Provincial Fire Marshall Officer-in-Charge, Chief Inspector Ronald Ampang, said.

A man reportedly sustained second-degree burns in the body during the incident and was brought to the hospital for treatment.

The damage to structure reached around P100,000, excluding the items burned.

Authorities reminded owners of establishment to strengthen fire safety measures.

“Paigtingin ang fire safety lalo na ngayong kapaskuhan. Huwag nating tangkilikin ang mga paputok kasi pwede pong ikapahamak ng ating mga kababayan, maaring magdulot ng sunog,” Ampang added.