Fire destroys hundreds of houses

AMBON, Maluku: Fire destroyed, early yesterday, hundreds of houses in a densely populated area, causing substantial loses but no injuries, police said.

Eyewitnesses said that the fire started about 1 a.m., in the house of a Kapahaha resident during a blackout, when townspeople used candles for illumination.

The three fire engines sent to the fire were unable to bring it under control quickly because the houses were too close together, Antara reported.

"We could not put it out quickly because there was no adequate access to the fire site," a member of the fire brigade said.

Chief of the local police precinct, Lt. Col. Suroto, said there was no report of injuries in the disaster, which occurred in the waterfront district, near a heroes' cemetery.

He said he has mobilized 75 officers to investigate the cause of the fire. (pan)