Fires leave 550 people homeless

JAKARTA (JP): Fires destroyed about 60 houses in Gunung Sahari and two in Petojo Selatan, both in Central Jakarta, Monday, leaving 550 people homeless, officials and residents said.

No injuries were reported in either incident but the material losses are believed to be more than Rp 1 billion (US$125,000).

The larger fire occurred on Jl. Garuda Ujung, Gunung Sahari subdistrict, where 98 families lost their homes. The blaze started at 6.45 a.m. and was extinguished by 9 a.m. by 12 fire crews.

Firefighters believe the fire was caused by an electrical short circuit in a house belonging to a man named Agustinus, 40.

"The fire was already spreading when we arrived as the report came late. The residents failed to inform us earlier because they were busy saving their belongings," the head of the Central Jakarta fire department, Freddy Aling, told reporters.

Homeless residents were accommodated on a nearby open plot near the Metropolitan Theater.

"They haven't received any relief aid yet. We will discuss this soon with city social affairs office. At the least they have to get some food and tents for the residents," he said.

Freddy said his department estimated the losses could reach billions of rupiah.

"But we have to wait for an official report. A car showroom and some workshops were among the buildings gutted," he said.

One victim, Siti Rochiyat, said she was shocked with by the disaster. "My house had just been renovated and it's all we have. I don't know what to do now."

She said she knew some of the affected houses were built on state land.

Some residents said they were now worrying about their children's health as they had lost their homes.

"I'm worried about my kids because they have to sleep in the open air while there's this dengue fever outbreak," Taryono, a father of three, said.

He said he hoped officials would help them cope with the situation. "We really need tents and food for our children. Adults can stand this hardship but not kids," he added.

The fire in Petojo Selatan subdistrict occurred on Jl. Kebon Jahe II. It razed two houses belonging to a man identified as Aman Hidayat, 50.

It started at about 10.05 a.m. and was put out at 11:30 p.m. by seven fire crews, Freddy said.

Aman was reportedly renting the house where the fire started to a consultancy company.

"We believe an electrical short circuit caused the fire," Freddy said.

There were four people in the office when the fire started but they ran for their lives as soon as they saw the flames, he added. (edt)