Banyuwangi blaze rages in market

BANYUWANGI, East Java: Dozens of kiosks in the traditional market in Kalibaru district, about 60 kilometers to the west of Banyuwangi town, were razed on Wednesday night. Many others also sustained damage.

Antara quoted witnesses on Thursday as saying a short circuit was believed to have caused the 5:30 p.m. blaze. Strong winds fanned its spread.

"There was a sound of an explosion during the fire," Achmad, a resident, said.

Thieves took advantage of the situation. Muchsin, a trader trying to save his goods, later found his motorbike gone. No casualties were reported. (anr)