Fire leaves hundreds homeless

Fire leaves hundreds homeless

BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan: Hundreds of mostly wooden houses in the village of Kelayan Luar, Central Banjarmasin subdistrict, were destroyed after being gutted by fire early on Thursday.

The fire left at least 800 people or 134 families homeless in the crowded residential area.

However, there were no reports of casualties.

At least two small mosques were also affected by the raging fire, which started at 2:30 a.m. and spread quickly to other buildings while residents were sleeping.

A fire-fighting team managed to put out the fire three hours later.

Local authorities were investigating the cause of the blaze.

In an effort to help the homeless, the local administration set up a public kitchen and is accommodating them at emergency shelters. --Antara