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DFEMS issues stop order, temporary closure of store
2 other establishments also ordered closed
The Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services Arson Investigation Unit stopped work and temporarily closed down the New X.O. Market and two other establishments in the building in the wake of Saturday’s fire in Gualo Rai.
DFEMS spokesman Derek Gersonde said yesterday the Arson Investigation Unit determined that the blaze originated from a trash fire in the rear portion of the building.
Gersonde said the fire from the ground floor traveled to the second floor, which had combustibles that ignited and intensified the blaze.
He said the cause of the fire is incendiary and accidental and the case is considered closed.
Gersonde denied witnesses’ account that the fire was triggered by welding work. He did not elaborate.
He said the stop work order and temporary closure covered X.O. Market, the New X.O. B Clean Laundry, and Party Poker.
He said the stop work order and temporary closure were issued for fire code compliance.
As of Sunday, X.O. Market was up and running, while the poker arcade and laundromat were operating yesterday, Gersonde said.
X.O. Market occupies mostly the first floor of the two-story commercial building. New X.O. B Clean Laundry and Party Poker are also located on the first floor.
Gersonde said DFEMS received a call about a fire on Saturday at 1:58pm, prompting medics from the Commonwealth Health Center to respond.
He said at 2:04pm, firefighters from Susupe, Koblerville, and Kagman fire stations as well as medics from the Garapan Fire Station responded and controlled the blaze at 2:44pm.
Gersonde said no one was injured or treated at the scene for medical complaints.
