Fire destroys seven shops

Fire destroys seven shops

MEDAN, North Sumatra: Fire destroyed at least seven shops in the central market here on Sunday but there was no word of casualties, police said yesterday.

Police said that the fire started at 1 a.m. Sunday when most of the shop owners were fast asleep.

The fire brigade arrived at the scene after the fire had engulfed several shops which sold flammable goods like plastic materials and clothing.

The cause of the fire has yet to be established and the total losses estimated, Antara reported.

On New Year's Eve, fire gutted three houses somewhere else in the city. No injuries were reported.(pan)