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