Fire guts Samarinda buildings

SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: A fire gutted 364 building units at Pasar Senggol RT 4 Dusun Setimpo, South Bontang, early Friday, causing Rp 4 billion (US$1.7 million) in damages and leaving 2,000 people homeless.

Bontang mayor Fachmurniddin said the high damage costs resulted from resident's inability to save their belongings.

No fatalities were reported in the fire.

Police are still investigating the fire, but an electrical short circuit is believed to be the cause.

Antara reported a relief center was set up at an unused cinema to shelter the victims. Two tons of rice and 4,000 instant noodles have been contributed by the community. (09)