At least eight stores were reduced to ashes after a fire hit a public market in Mahayag, Zamboanga del Sur.

The fire broke out past 4 a.m. on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, and was put out after more than three hours.

The fire was raised to second alarm.

Authorities said the stores at the market were locked at that time, making it difficult for responders to control the fire.

Stalls selling rice, animal feeds, fertilizer, bread, mattresses, and copra were razed to the ground.

The cost of damage was estimated at around P7 million.

According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Mahayag, electrical issues may have caused the fire that started at a bakeshop.

“Nag-walk through mi, nakita namo didto. Electrical ang cause pero under investigation pa,” BFP Mahayag Fire Arson Investigator, FO1 Nikkon Lao, said. The local government has begun assisting the owners of the stores affected.