140 houses burned down on Jambi's east coast

140 houses burned down on Jambi's east coast

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

At least 140 houses in Tanjung Jabung regency, Jambi province, burned down on Friday morning, resulting in financial losses of Rp 6.5 billion (US$792,683).

No casualties were reported in the fire, which started at 1 a.m. in the village of Mendahara Ilir in Mendahara district, but 555 people are now homeless due to the incident.

Most of the victims are staying in temporary shelters while others are staying with relatives.

Firefighters and residents, mostly fishermen, worked together to extinguish the fire.

Police are investigating the incident, but Antara news agency reported that locals are blaming the fire on the dry season, which is now three months old.

Houses in the area are especially at risk of fire because most of them are made from wood. Firefighters had trouble extinguishing the blaze because houses in the area are crowded together.

Jambi Governor Zulkifli Nurdin headed to the scene, about 150 kilometers northeast of the capital, to provide assistance.

The administration has distributed 10 tons of rice and collected millions of rupiah in donations to help the victims.

The governor called on residents to remain alert for fires during the dry season.

He also called on the regency administration to be more conscious of spatial planning and ensure there is more space between houses.