At least nine stalls that sold firecrackers were razed in Barangay Minolos, Barili, Cebu.

According to witnesses, the noise made by the firecrackers bursting simultaneously in one place past 9 p.m. on Sunday, December 28, 2025, is louder and booming than the noise produced on the actual New Year revelry.

The Barili Fire Station received the alarm at 9:33 p.m. and arrived at the scene by 9:38 p.m. The fire was put out at 9:48 p.m.

In an investigation carried out by the Bureau of Fire Protection Barili, two customers bought a triangle, a type of firecracker.

One of the customers lighted the firecracker reportedly to test the item.The culprit hurled allegedly the triangle at the other items.

The other firecrackers ignited swiftly that led to the huge fire.

The triangle landed reportedly on 1,000 rounds of Judas Belt; the flames engulfed quickly the other firecrackers sold in adjacent stalls.

The perpetrators were held by residents, but only for a while, as witnesses tried to save vehicles at the fire scene. In a hurry, the culprits left behind their motorcycle.

The motorcycle was burned as well, its plate number obscured, which could have been key to identifying the culprits.

The incident has given the vendors extreme challenges as a huge amount of their investment was lost to the fire.

The vendors cited that the amount spent to buy their wares is loaned money, and that they will have to settle the loan interest amid the loss.

At least P100,000 to P300,000 as capital money was loaned to be able to purchase the firecrackers.

BFP Barili gathered the owner of the stalls in a meeting on Monday, December 29, 2025. The vendors pointed out they complied with the rules and regulations in selling firecrackers, such as proper signages, water supply, among other necessities.

However, the flames were not able to reach at least six stalls, but the vendors await the green light if they can proceed with the sales.

The BFP will meet with their counterpart in the Philippine National Police and the local government unit for the next step, according to Fire Insp. Anadith Transporte, acting municipal fire marshal in Barili.