Renk County market fire. | Courtesy.

Fuel containers went up in flames inside a warehouse at Renk Market in Upper Nile State, burning an unspecified number of shops on Saturday morning, authorities said.

Renk County Commissioner Kak Padiet said the fire was quickly put off but only after it caused significant damage.

Padiet told Eye Radio traders are counting losses at Souk Al-shaabi – the largest market in the border town.

According to him, the fire started at a fuel store which exploded and burnt to ashes before it spread to nearby shops.

“When the fire started I was there. It was a huge fire at shops containing fuel and gasoline, so the fire started from there from the owner of the shop himself, it was with one shop and cough some shops around there,” he said in an interview with Eye Radio.

Padiet said the exact cause of the fire and the extent of the damage is yet to be determined.

“I’m in the office I have sent people there to gather information and count the losses including affected people I will give you full information when I receive the full report.”