Fire threatens environment

Fire threatens environment

JAMBI: Firefighters were attempting to limit environmental
damage to the Batanghari river after a pontoon carrying at least
20 tons of diesel fuel and kerosene caught fire late on Friday.

Jambi Police spokesman Comr. Bakaruddin said the 200 ton
pontoon, still burning Saturday afternoon, had been towed to the
middle of the river to avoid the fire spreading.

The pontoon had been docked on the backs of the river, about
200 meters away from a factory belonging to crude palm oil
company PT Saimego, when it caught fire.

No official cause of the fire has been released, but Antara
reported that it was strongly believed that welders working on
the oil barge may have sparked the blaze.

Police are still questioning the owner of the pontoon. All its
five crew members are safe. -- JP