Fire guts five shops

SEMARANG, Central Java: Five shops in downtown Pekalongan have been razed by fire, causing financial losses of around Rp 200 million ($95,000), the Antara news agency reported.

Witnesses said the fire was believed to have been started by a short circuit at one of the shops.

The fire almost hit the two bank buildings located nearby but the efforts of firefighters and volunteers contained the blaze within two hours. (prs)