Number of fires rising in Jakarta

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

The number of fires in Jakarta is increasing, with 87 cases recorded last month, and a further 16 already recorded in the first three days of September.

City Fire Agency head Johnny Pangaribuan blamed the increase, up from 67 fires in July, on the dry season and the fact that the agency had only half the required number of firefighters.

Fires this year had already caused losses of Rp 78.5 billion (about US$8 million), he said. He was not asked how the figures were totaled.

Agency records show that August's fires accounted for losses of Rp 27.33 billion, while this month's fires caused Rp 8.72 billion in losses.

January's 46 fires caused Rp 5.29 billion in losses, 67 cases in February caused Rp 6.96 billion in losses, 62 fires in March caused Rp 7.21 billion in damage, while 37 fires in April inflicted Rp 4.09 billion in losses.

May's 61 fires inflicted Rp 9.32 billion in damage, June's 63 fires caused Rp 5.63 billion in losses and July's 67 cases tootled Rp 4.09 billion in losses.

Johnny said as many as 53 subdistricts in five municipalities were vulnerable to fire, especially in the dry season.

"Eight subdistricts in Central Jakarta, 10 in North Jakarta, 11 in West Jakarta, 13 in South Jakarta, and 11 in East Jakarta."

Johny cited a lack of personnel as the main constraint in dealing with the fires. "We have only 2,536 fire brigades while the ideal number is 4,300."