Fire destroys market

Fire destroys market

PURBALINGGA, Central Java: Fire razed the biggest traditional
market here on Wednesday night destroying more than 1,000 kiosks
and causing billions of rupiah in losses.

No fatalities were reported.

An eye witness, Pariyanto, 40, told The Jakarta Post at the
accident site on Wednesday that the two fire engines that arrived
soon after the fire broke out had difficulty entering the
compound.

"We don't know how the fire started. I was only aware of the
fire after some kiosks had already burned down. It was about 7:30
p.m."

At least 10 fire trucks from neighboring towns of Kebumen,
Banyumas and Banjarnegara were deployed to put out the fire,
which also razed houses adjacent to the market.

The fire was brought under control by 4 a.m. on Thursday
leaving the market totally destroyed.

Purbalingga Police chief Comr. Sukamto Handoko told reporters
on Thursday that total losses could reach Rp 20 billion, judging
from the fact that the kiosks were full of merchandise, including
textiles and electronic goods.

"We have yet to find out what caused the fire. We are waiting
for forensic laboratory test results from the provincial police
headquarters in Semarang," said Sutanto.

"I cannot say whether or not it was arson," he said,
responding to comments that certain parties may have caused the
fire following the local administration's plan to relocate the
market. Traders had expressed their objections to the plan.

Purbalingga regent Triyono Budi Sasongko and the regency
legislators agreed to make temporary shelters available for the
1,200 traders. (45/sur)