Fire costs Rp 4 billion

SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: A fire gutted 364 stalls and houses at Senggol market in South Bontang early Friday causing Rp 4 billion (US$1.7 million) in losses and leaving about 2,000 people homeless.

No fatalities were reported. Police were still investigating the fire yesterday but suspect it was caused by an electrical short circuit.

Antara reported that a relief center to shelter the victims was being set up at an unused cinema. The community has contributed two tons of rice and 4,000 packets of instant noodles to help the victims. (09)