Market kiosks razed in fire

PALANGKARAYA, Central Kalimantan: Kiosks selling daily provisions at Kuala Kapuas traditional market in Kapuas regency were razed in a fire on Monday night.

No fatalities were reported and losses were still being calculated.

The cause of the fire was under police investigation.

Deputy Regent J.S. Lamon said on Tuesday the fire, which was first spotted at 10 p.m. on Monday night, could have been speedily extinguished by fire engines, with the help of locals, as the market was located next to a river.

Traders who lost their properties expressed concern the authorities would refuse permission for them to rebuild their kiosks.

Lamon told Antara the traders would be allowed to build their new shops on the same site after the market was rebuilt.