Fire destroys 177 houses

SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: A fire razed 177 houses and buildings in a slum area of Loa Janan Ilir early yesterday, the second such destructive conflagration the province in less than a month.

There was no word of injuries but 379 families, or 1,384 people, were left homeless, Antara reported.

It is not known how the fire started. It was reported at about midnight and was brought under control at 2:30 a.m.

The buildings, including a church and an elementary school, were mostly made of plywood and other inflammable materials that allowed the blaze to spread rapidly, witnesses said.

Most of the victims work at plywood factories in the area. They have been accommodated in the Loa Janan Ilir village hall.

The disaster, that occurred when residents were fast asleep, caused panic. Many escaped without being able to save any personal effects apart from the clothing they wore.

On Feb. 10, a major fire burned 160 houses to the ground in Samarinda. (pan)