Fire razes Bali's biggest market

DENPASAR, Bali (JP): A fire ravaged Badung market, known as the biggest market on the paradise island of Bali, on Wednesday, destroying more than 1,800 shops and kiosks.

No fatalities were reported, but the authorities believe the fire caused billions of rupiah in losses.

Eye witnesses said the fire started at the four-story building at about 2 p.m. local time at the southern section of the building's ground floor. It took minutes for the flames to engulf the other sections.

Chaos among shop owners, who were trying to save their merchandise, apparently hampered the fire brigade's efforts to extinguish the blaze.

At least 23 fire engines from all parts of the city managed to put out the blaze after dark, 13 hours after it began.

A fireman said that water would continue to be sprayed to lower the temperature of the building, "and prevent more flames from emerging."

Denpasar Mayor AA Puspayoga, who visited the scene with Bali Police chief Brig. Gen. Wayan Ardjana, expressed his sympathy to the traders, whose stores were destroyed, saying the administration would find the best way to help them.

Badung Police chief Supt. DBM Suharya said a team from the police crime laboratory begin work as soon it was safe to do so.

Unconfirmed reports said a short-circuit caused the inferno. (zen/sur)