A huge fire ripped through Phu Ly Market in Ha Nam Province in the early morning of December 31 after finally being put under control with help from fire services from Hung Yen Province.
The fire started at around 2am from a votive kiosk then spread to a clothing kiosk before blazing through the whole market.
Firefighters from Ha Nam Province quickly arrived but due to a lack of personnel and because the market is full of inflammable items, they were unable to control the fire.
Many traders took out whatever items they could but a crowd of onlookers caused chaos.
Thirty minutes later, firefighters lost control as the fire spread to a bookstore and they had to call for assistance. The firefighters then focused on prevent the fire from spreading as the bookstore was located next to Luong Khanh Thien Kindergarten.
The fire was eventually put under control at 4pm after Ha Nam Province authorities sent out more firefighters. About 10 more fire engines were sent to the location. Hung Yen Province also sent fire engines to help.
The total damage amount of damage is yet unclear. According to a local, there were about 300 kiosks in the market.
The cause of the fire is being investigated.
The fire scene
Burnt kiosks
Traders try to save their goods
