Fire destroys 345 houses

MEDAN, North Sumatra: Hundreds of fisherpeople and their families in Aek Muara Pinang, Sibolga subdistrict, were left homeless after fire destroyed 345 houses Jan. 29, a press report said yesterday.

There were no reports of casualties but fire fighters and residents had to demolish dozens of houses to isolate the blaze that could not be controlled due to the strong wind, Antara reported.

A Pentecostal church was among the buildings destroyed by the fire, which was in a slum that was inaccessible to fire engines, the report said.

The local administration has set up two crisis centers to accommodate the victims. (pan)