TNI Barracks Fire in Makassar: Brimob Water Cannons Deployed

Flames have ravaged the residential area of the TNI Mattoanging barracks in Makassar, South Sulawesi. At least 25 vehicles from the Fire Department (Damkar) and water cannons belonging to the South Sulawesi Regional Police Brimob were deployed to extinguish the fire.

“Yes, we deployed water cannons to assist in extinguishing the flames, along with 30 personnel,” said the Head of Brimob South Sulawesi Regional Police, Kombes Pol Muh Ridwan, on Tuesday (1/9).

The fire occurred at approximately 1:40 PM WITA on Jalan Kakatua and Jalan Cendrawasih. In addition to 30 Brimob personnel and 25 Makassar Fire Department vehicles, one unit from the TNI was also deployed to the scene to assist with the firefighting efforts.

“We deployed around 25 vehicles with a strength of approximately 79 personnel. At this stage, the fire has been successfully extinguished. The firefighting efforts were supported by both the TNI and the National Police,” stated the Head of the Makassar Fire Department, Fadli Wellang.

As a result of the fire, Fadli noted that around 23 residential plots were burnt. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the authorities.

“The cause is still being investigated. There was a power outage earlier, and when the electricity came back on, the fire broke out,” he said.

Fadli explained that the extinguishing process faced difficulties because of very strong winds, which caused the flames to grow larger. “The challenge was the strong wind during the firefighting process. This accelerated the spread of the fire. However, the flames were successfully extinguished an hour later,” he explained.

Meanwhile, the Head of Information for Kodam XIV Hasanuddin, Colonel Inf Andi Akbar, stated that the exact number of houses burnt is not yet known, but approximately 20 families (KK) have been affected by the fire.

“In our current data collection, it is estimated that 20 families are affected,” said Andi Akbar.

He added that his office is currently conducting further data collection to determine the total number of residents in the TNI Mattoanging barracks affected and to investigate the cause of the fire.