Fire Devastates Kayu Tanam Market in Padang Pariaman, Dozens of Stalls Destroyed

A major fire has ravaged the Kayu Tanam Market in Padang Pariaman Regency, destroying at least 15 stalls and causing preliminary losses estimated at Rp2.5 billion. The blaze, which broke out yesterday, is believed to have been triggered by a gas cylinder leak in one of the food stalls.

Flames spread rapidly through the densely packed market stalls, completely consuming the buildings and their contents. The local government, through the Civil Service Police Unit and Fire Department, deployed five fire engines to the scene, supported by additional units from Pariaman City, Padang Panjang City, Bukittinggi City, Tanah Datar Regency, and Agam Regency. Firefighters battled the blaze for nearly three hours before bringing it under control.

No fatalities were reported, though one resident suffered respiratory distress from smoke inhalation and received medical treatment. The disaster has left six families homeless, as they were living in the market stalls that were completely destroyed. Victim Clara Sinta Dewi recounted how she only had time to save her two children as the flames approached her stall, losing all her merchandise and household belongings.

Padang Pariaman Regent John Kenedy Azis visited the site and expressed his condolences, assuring victims that the local government would meet all emergency needs and coordinate recovery efforts. Authorities are currently assessing the full extent of the damage and awaiting the results of an official investigation into the exact cause of the fire.