Fire in Makassar: 11 Houses Destroyed, Eight-Year-Old Boy Suffers Burns

A fire swept through a densely populated area in Wajo District, Makassar City, South Sulawesi, on Monday (16/2). A total of 11 houses were destroyed and an eight-year-old boy sustained burn injuries.

“That is correct, 11 houses were completely burnt down, including the local neighbourhood head’s house, and a boy suffered burns,” said Makassar Port Police Public Relations Sub-section Head Aipda Adil when contacted for confirmation.

The incident occurred at approximately 4.00pm local time on Jalan Sangir Lorong 220, with the blaze partially spreading to Jalan Bacan Lorong 241, Wajo District. The fire spread rapidly to neighbouring houses due to the extremely close proximity between dwellings.

“Based on witness accounts, the fire was first spotted coming from the upper roof area of the second floor of a house belonging to a man named Yusuf. Residents then shouted for help and attempted to flee to safety,” Adil said.

Adil stated that residents immediately tried to extinguish the fire and salvage their belongings before reporting the incident to the Makassar Fire Service.

“At the time, officers were providing security for Chinese New Year celebrations not far from the location, so they were able to proceed directly to the scene and evacuate affected residents,” he said.

During the incident, Adil said, an eight-year-old boy suffered burn injuries. At the time of the fire, the victim was inside the house of the local neighbourhood head.

“The victim is currently receiving medical treatment for his burn injuries,” he said.

Adil added that firefighters successfully extinguished the blaze and that authorities are still investigating the exact cause of the fire.

“We are still conducting an investigation to determine the source and initial cause of the fire,” he said.