Fire spreads to bank branch in Ca Mau

A fire gutted a bank branch's facade, shattered windows, and halted operations, while adjacent buildings suffered significant damage to property and goods.

The bank's exterior was blackened, the metal frame scorched, and several windows shattered. This building is about 10 meters from the initial fire.

Firefighters worked to extinguish the smoldering remains of a bank branch in Ca Mau. The building's charred sign was cordoned off as crews sprayed water inside. The fire spread to the bank from a nearby building, igniting around 3:40 a.m. today.

The 20-meter long, 4-meter wide bank branch, a three-story building, is located at the intersection of Nguyen Tat Thanh and An Duong Vuong streets. This is the busiest area of the former Nam Can town (now Nam Can commune), a densely populated area with many high-rise buildings and shops selling various goods.

The front of the initial building was filled with black smoke and broken windows. This three-story building, measuring 4 meters wide and over 20 meters long, served as both a residence and a business. The fire started here around 3:40 a.m., was initially extinguished, but then unexpectedly reignited and spread.

All the goods inside the grocery store were destroyed. Walls, ceilings, and shelves collapsed. The owner only managed to grab important documents.

Located behind the initial fire is another affected building, measuring 4 meters wide and 20 meters long, on An Duong Vuong Street. The fire spread to this four-story building about an hour after the initial blaze. The entire building, a hardware and household goods store, was almost completely destroyed.

Pumps, electrical equipment, and water remained scattered in front of the store after the fire.

The building contained a large amount of flammable materials, contributing to the rapid spread and persistent smoldering. Although the fire was largely under control, firefighters continued to douse the area to prevent re-ignition.

The fire department deployed five fire trucks and nearly 30 firefighters to the scene, working with over 80 local personnel to extinguish the blaze.

By after 7 a.m., the fire was under control, but firefighters continued to spray water to cool the area and prevent further outbreaks. A large crowd gathered on An Duong Vuong Street.

The fire scene. Graphics: Khanh Hoang

Pham Thi Ngan, the owner of the second affected building, was distraught after the fire. She recounted how the fire broke out while her family of four was asleep. The fire reignited in the adjacent building and spread to hers, leaving them little time to react. They only managed to grab important documents before escaping.

Merchants moved goods from nearby shops to safety.

According to authorities, the incident caused no casualties but destroyed two buildings with a total area of over 250 square meters. The bank branch also suffered partial damage. Le Van Su, Vice Chairman of the Ca Mau Provincial People's Committee, was at the scene to direct firefighting efforts and assist residents.