Fire razes Bali's biggest market

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)