Senen market in flames again

JAKARTA (JP): Fire destroyed at least six kiosks at Central Jakarta's Senen market yesterday barely two months after fire destroyed more than 1,000 shops there.

There were no fatalities.

Central Jakarta Police Chief Lt. Col. M.Ibrahim said a short circuit in one of the kiosks probably started the fire, which began at 7 a.m.

"The losses have yet to be calculated," Ibrahim said.

He said police and firefighters had to destroy eight other kiosks to prevent the fire spreading.

The Central Jakarta Fire Brigade deployed 18 fire trucks extinguished the fire in an hour.

On Nov. 23 last year, 1,250 shops in the five-story shopping center burned down causing Rp 700 billion (US$294.1 million) damage.

Firefighters fought the blaze, which was the largest last year, for 84 hours. (jun)