Two fires raze five houses during holiday

JAKARTA (JP): Two fires gutted five unoccupied houses in South and West Jakarta yesterday.

A blaze, believed to have been caused by a short circuit, swept through a house at about 9 a.m. on Jl. Bungur in Kebayoran Lama, South Jakarta. Nine fire engines were dispatched to extinguish the fire, which was brought under control in about an hour and a half.

The Kebayoran Lama Police are investigating the cause.

The other fire destroyed four residences on Jl. Angke Barat in Tambora, West Jakarta.

Their inhabitants had left for hometowns to celebrate the Idul Fitri holiday.

The fire began at 10:25 a.m. and was finally extinguished by 16 fire engines at 11 a.m. Tambora Police are investigating.

Assessments of losses are being made in both incidents.

The Jakarta Fire Department has repeatedly warned residents to check fire-safety conditions in their homes before leaving for extended periods, especially during Idul Fitri.

"Based on our observations, holidaymakers tend to leave their homes in a hurry," department head Suharso had said earlier. "I urge everybody to carefully check all electrical goods and appliances which could cause a fire."

During the Idul Fitri period, the department has deployed 2,553 personnel at 80 fire posts throughout the city.

"I really wish that every resident could be safe and celebrate Idul Fitri happily," Suharso said. "Fire is one of the worst things that could happen to people because it can destroy almost everything." (edt)