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.