Sleman House Burns 11 Times in Two Days Due to Methane Leak

Residents of Padukuhan Mriyan X in Margomulyo, Seyegan, Sleman were alarmed by repeated fires that destroyed furniture in one house. Police investigations suggest the flames originated from a methane gas leak in the septic tank.

The homeowner, Mutfiana, stated fires had occurred over the past two days. Initially, she noticed fabric burning. ‘It started Saturday (23/5) at midnight. First the fabric caught fire, then spread to the door frame,’ Mutfiana told reporters on Sunday, 24 May 2026.

However, flames soon reappeared in different areas, igniting other items. She said the incidents repeated until midday. ‘In 26 hours, there were 11 fires. The biggest occurred yesterday at 3pm, spreading to the ceiling eternit before continuing into the early hours. The last was at 10am today,’ she said.

She explained that each fire started without sparks or explosions, with items suddenly catching fire. ‘There were no loud explosions or sparks—things just ignited on their own,’ she said.

She added that no one was injured, but furniture, sofas, doors, bed frames, mattresses, and other items were damaged. ‘No one was hurt, but furniture, sofas, doors, beds, and many other items were burned. Most of the damage was to furnishings,’ she said.

The incident was reported to police, who were joined by Sleman Police Station’s Inafis team and DIY Provincial Police’s Gegana unit to process the scene. Preliminary investigations suggest the fires were caused by methane gas leaking from the septic tank.

‘Based on Gegana unit’s examination, the fires were triggered by a methane leak from a septic tank with non-compliant gas drainage pipes, allowing gas to enter the house and ignite,’ said Seyegan Police Chief AKP Pujiono during confirmation on Sunday, 24 May.

Pujiono detailed that the fires had repeatedly occurred over two days. ‘They included burning bathroom doors and towels, living room chairs, part of the bedroom mattress, and bathroom fabric catching fire again,’ he said.

He added that after further checks until 12:00 WIB, no further methane leaks were detected. Police urged the homeowner to replace the pipes immediately, as the septic tank also handles poultry slaughter waste. ‘The Gegana team advised the septic tank be dismantled and replacement pipes installed to safety standards, given it processes both household and poultry waste,’ he concluded.