ABUYOG, LEYTE – Stalls selling firecrackers in Abuyog Public Market were gutted by a fire last Christmas day.

According to authorities, the fire started from a lighted “kwitis” that reportedly spread to firecrackers which were hidden under the stalls.

Firefighters immediately responded and put out the fire that left all 18 stalls burned down with total damage estimated at around P500,000.

“We just found out that they were not only selling fountain and piccolo as displayed, but were hiding the ones that we forbid to sell,” said Senior Inspector Ismael Lantajo, Abuyog police chief.

Because of this, the PNP intensified its monitoring to prevent the entry of the banned firecrackers.

In San Isidro village in Biliran, Biliran a firecracker also reportedly had caused a house to burn down last Wednesday afternoon.

Police authorities reiterated its advice to the public to be more careful in handling firecrackers or better not use them at all as they welcome the New Year.