BAGUIO CITY — The Bureau of Fire Protection National Headquarters (BFP-NHQ) has wrapped up its investigation into the devastating fire that engulfed the Baguio City public market on March 11, 2023.

After thorough examination of evidence and witness testimonies, it has been determined that the fire was sparked by an unattended or discarded lit cigarette that made contact with combustible materials inside a sack of clothes.

The findings were revealed in a final investigation report relayed by City Fire Marshal Supt. Marisol Odiver to Mayor Benjamin Magalong in a letter dated June 14, 2023.

The conclusion, detailed in the final investigation report, was based on meticulous analysis conducted by the BFP-NHQ.

The report states that the unattended cigarette’s embers ignited the readily combustible materials, causing the fire to rapidly spread.

The concrete column in Stall No. 46 located at Block 4 extension was identified as the probable origin of the fire, with the ground level pinpointed as the specific location of ignition.

The bureau recommended closing the case, classifying the incident as an accidental fire.

However, authorities left the possibility open for reopening the case should new evidence or witnesses come to light in the future.

During the investigation, potential alternative causes were carefully considered and subsequently ruled out.

Hazards such as electrical issues, appliance malfunction, and open flames were discounted based on the absence of evidence and results from electrical analysis conducted by the Fire Laboratory Services, as documented in Electrical Report No. 2023-506-4598.

The BFP-NHQ’s investigation adhered to accepted standards and guidelines for fire and arson investigations, drawing upon references such as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 921: Guide for Fire Explosion Investigations- 2021 Edition.

While the completion of the final investigation report is pending approval from the Office of the Fire Arson Investigation Division, BFP-NHQ, the findings provide valuable insights into the cause of the tragic incident.

The Baguio City public market fire serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with unattended cigarettes and the potential consequences of their careless disposal.

Authorities are expected to use the investigation’s conclusions as a basis for raising awareness about fire safety measures and implementing stricter regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future.

As the community looks to recover from the aftermath of the fire, the closure of the investigation brings a sense of resolution and allows the focus to shift towards rebuilding and preventing such incidents from occurring again.

(Source: PIO)