Tam Nong Food Market after the fire: Joining hands to share difficulties with small traders

TIMELY CONTROL OF "FIRE"

At around 9:50 p.m. on August 15, Tam Nong food market suddenly caught fire, a fierce column of fire. Mr. Ha Minh Kien, owner of Nhat Hao flower shop, recalled: “At that time, my father and I were still arranging flowers for customers when we heard a loud explosion coming from a nearby kiosk. We ran out and saw a fire breaking out due to an electrical short circuit.

We tried to use a mini fire extinguisher but it was too late. The fire spread quickly, the father and son only had time to escape, the entire flower kiosk and money were lost. In just a few minutes, the fire engulfed the goods and assets… that dozens of households had built up over many years.

Donors give gifts to support small traders affected by the fire at Tam Nong food market.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Trang, a trader who has been with the market for more than 20 years, choked up: “My family had just imported more than 10 million VND worth of goods, but before we could sell any of them, the fire burned down, and all our capital was lost. Looking at the rubble made me feel heartbroken, but thinking back, I felt lucky because my whole family was safe.

I am grateful to the government and the authorities for their timely support in fighting the fire, and after the fire, the authorities quickly invited the traders to meet and encourage them and provide initial support. In times of trouble, the timely words of comfort and support from the local authorities helped the people to be more steadfast in the face of loss.

Amidst the ashes and smoke, people not only saw pain, but also learned valuable lessons. Mr. Le Van Gau, a small trader who has been selling dishes for more than 20 years, confided: “My wife and I’s stall was our entire fortune, but it burned down. When the fire first started, I was about to rush in to collect things, but luckily there were people around and the authorities to stop me, otherwise the fire was too big and life-threatening. After this incident, I realized more clearly that fire prevention and fighting is not only the responsibility of the State, but also the responsibility of our small trader.”

JOIN HANDS TO SHARE DIFFICULTIES

Immediately after the fire broke out, Tram Chim Commune authorities arrived to help. Late at night, with many curious people and heavy smoke, firefighting efforts were extremely difficult. Major Pham Chi Linh, Deputy Chief of Tram Chim Commune Police, said: “The cause of the fire was an electrical short circuit. The biggest difficulty was that the incident occurred at night, with many curious people gathering, hindering the deployment of the team.

However, with the support of the provincial fire prevention and fighting force, neighboring forces and local people, the fire was promptly extinguished, preventing the fire from spreading to residential areas. After the incident, the communal police thoroughly inspected the electrical system at the market, resolutely correcting safety risks. "We ask people to strictly comply with regulations, stop cooking, worshipping, and expanding in kiosks to avoid recurrence of risks," Major Linh emphasized.

Most of the goods of small traders were burned in the fire on the night of August 15, 2025.

Meanwhile, the Tram Chim commune government also promptly visited and shared. Mr. Huynh Thanh Dung, Vice Chairman of the Commune People's Committee, said: "The commune has allocated a reserve fund to support 2 million VND for each affected household, a total of 32 households. We promise that the people are not alone, the government will always accompany and mobilize resources to support the people to soon stabilize their lives."

In addition to providing immediate support, the commune also assigned specialized agencies to review and propose renovations and reconstruction of the market to ensure long-term safety. While awaiting reconstruction, a temporary trading area has been set up so that people can continue to earn a living.

If the government is the support, the community is the warm embrace. Just 2 days after the fire, Ngoc Yen Agricultural Products Production Company Limited and a number of benefactors went to Tam Nong Food Market, giving 34 gifts (each gift includes 1 million VND, 10 kg of rice and 2 kg of dried salt) to affected households.

Mr. Huynh Van Be, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Ngoc Yen Agricultural Food Production Company Limited, representing the sponsors, emotionally said: “We just hope to contribute a little bit to help people reduce their burden and soon stabilize their business again. The most valuable thing is not material things, but the spirit of solidarity and sharing difficulties together”. The gifts, although not of great value, are full of affection, helping people have more faith and determination to overcome difficulties.

Mr. Le Van Gau, a small business owner at Tam Nong market, looked sadly at the pile of burnt dishes.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Muon (70 years old), one of the small traders who suffered losses due to the fire at Tam Nong food market. Ms. Muon specializes in selling onions, garlic and packaging products, and was in tears: “After the fire, the local government and benefactors visited, encouraged and helped us very promptly.

Looking at the bags of rice, bags of salt, and envelopes that the government and donors gave us, it was very warm and touching. Because in this difficult situation, we are not alone." Thanks to the encouragement of the government and neighbors, Ms. Muon quickly cleaned up the kiosk to resume trading.

Sharing came not only from benefactors, but also from the people around. Words of encouragement, hot meals, sweet sugarcane juice, and affectionate handshakes helped the small traders ease their sadness. Human love in times of trouble turned tears into faith in a brighter tomorrow.

From stories of solidarity, sharing, and kind hearts joining hands for the community, we hope that Tam Nong food market will be bustling and crowded again. New stalls will spring up, and bustling markets will return.

MY LY

Source: https://baoapbac.vn/xa-hoi/202508/cho-thuc-pham-tam-nong-sau-vu-chay-cho-thuc-pham-tam-nong-sau-vu-chay-chung-tay-chia-se-kho-khan-voi-tieu-thuong-1048397/