12 fire engines deployed to tackle waste warehouse fire in Gandamekar, Bekasi

Twelve fire engines were deployed to tackle a fire at a waste storage warehouse in Kampung Rawajulang, Gandamekar Village, Bekasi Regency, on Sunday evening. ‘Twelve fire engines were deployed to the scene. We are still working to extinguish the remaining fire in the warehouse area,’ said Adhi Nugroho, Commander of Platoon 3 at the Bekasi Regency Fire and Rescue Department (Disdamkarmat), at the scene. In addition to the fire brigade from Disdamkarmat Bekasi Regency, support units came from various sectors, including Bekasi City Fire Department, MM2100 industrial area management, and military personnel. ‘Initially, three units were deployed from Cibitung Command Post. Due to the large fire, we also requested assistance from various sectors, including Bekasi City Fire Department,’ he said. He explained that firefighting efforts were hampered as the burning materials were a warehouse storing plastic waste, textile fabrics, and other flammable materials. This made the fire difficult to control and accelerated its spread. ‘The burning materials consisted of plastic waste and textile waste, such as rags. This caused firefighting to take longer, and even after two and a half hours, the fire was not fully under control,’ he added. Regarding the cause of the fire, Adhi stated that the cause had not yet been confirmed. Police are scheduled to conduct further investigations to determine the exact cause. ‘A preliminary cause could not be determined. The police will conduct further investigations. The fire is believed to have originated from the warehouse area,’ he said.