A fire broke out at Sibin Thaya Myoma Market in Kangyidauk town, Ayeyawady Region, at about 2.40 am today (June 1) burning down 175 shops and two houses.

Damages caused by the fire are still being calculated and 175 of the 193 stalls and two houses were destroyed, according to Kangyidauk Township Fire Service Department.

“According to local witnesses and prior investigation by departmental officials, a group of unscrupulous people carried out an arson attack on the market,” said Myo Myint Soe, an officer from the fire service department.

The fire started at about 2.40 am and the department received information at 3.15 am. Eleven fire engines and two water bowsers from nearby by township fire stations, two water bowsers from Manaw Phyu Social Aid Organization and one water bowser from Kangyidauk Development Affairs Committee with 65 fire brigade members and 40 auxiliary fire brigade members rushed to the scene to put the fire out.

“We received information about the fire outbreak at about 3.30 am. Due to the big fire, we contacted the firefighters and helped them. The fire was controlled by 6 am, said Wai Yan from the social aid organization in Pathein.

The Myoma Market is located among houses in Ward-1 of the township.