On the evening of 8/9, a fire broke out at the home of Pham Qui Tinh in Hoa Phat hamlet, Hoa Lac commune, Phu Tan district. Neighbors noticed flames emanating from an incense burner on an altar, but the house was locked, preventing them from intervening.

The scene of the fire. Photo: Provided by residents

The fire quickly spread to three adjacent houses, accompanied by several loud explosions. Residents and local authorities fought the blaze, but it took two hours to bring it under control.

While there were no casualties, three homes were completely destroyed, and a fourth sustained damage. According to the Hoa Lac Commune People's Committee (UBND), the initial investigation suggests the fire started after Mr. Tinh’s sister lit incense for their mother and then left the house locked and unattended.

After nearly two hours, the fire was extinguished, but three homes were destroyed, and another partially damaged. Photo: Van Linh

Ngoc Tai