Solok market razed by fire

PADANG, West Sumatra: Fire ravaged on Thursday the Solok market and 69 surrounding houses, leaving 214 people homeless.

No fatalities were reported, but it is estimated that the fire, which destroyed 109 kiosks and the residential houses, caused almost Rp 2 billion in losses.

Quoting eyewitnesses, Solok Mayor Yumler Lahar said that the fire which started at 3:00 a.m. was spotted by a market night watchman.

"A short circuit might have caused the fire," Mayor Yumler said.

Eri Cancer, an eyewitness, said that strong winds had "helped" the fire gut the houses around the market place.

Fire fighters managed to put out the fire at 7:00 a.m. after fire engines from Padang, Sawahlunto and Padang Panjang arrived.

Police have yet to question any witnesses over the fire.

The fire victims are now housed at the Koto Panjang village head's office. (28/sur)