Around 23:00 on 31/8, residents observed a fire originating from a household goods stall within the market in Dak Sak commune. Despite a rain, strong winds rapidly spread the blaze.

Intense flames engulfed the central area of Dak Sak Market. *Video: Pham Huan*.

Residents attempted to use on-site firefighting equipment but could not control the inferno. "The plastic goods ignited quickly, people couldn't put it out", said Ms. Phan Thi Huan, who lives near the scene.

The Duc Lap Area Fire Prevention and Fighting Police Team dispatched four specialized vehicles and over 10 officers and soldiers from approximately 7 km away to combat the fire. Firefighters brought the blaze under control after over an hour.

Firefighters sprayed water to extinguish the flames. *Photo: Chi Yeng*.

The fire caused no casualties, but it destroyed 16 kiosks belonging to 9 traders, with damages estimated at over 4 billion dong.

On the morning of 1/9, authorities kept the scene cordoned off as they assessed the damage and investigated the cause.

Viet Quoc