Fire incidents up in Depok

DEPOK: The number of fires in Depok municipality has increased by 10 percent to 56 this year as of August, compared to the figure in the same period last year.

The head of the Depok Fire Department, Dindin Djainuddin, said most of the incidents were caused by electrical short-circuits, Antara reported on Monday.

In January the office recorded three fire cases, three in February, another three in March, six in April, nine each in May and June, eight in July and 15 in August, Dindin said.

The largest fire incident involved the Kemirimuka traditional market last month. That blaze razed some 592 kiosks with the total loss estimated to reach Rp 5 million (US$490,196).

Dindin said his department had found it difficult to extinguish fire in many areas of Depok municipality, including those in residential areas due to the lack of water sources.

"I am calling for housing developers to provide hydrants or fire safety systems in their housing complexes," he said. -- JP