Two fires strike Depok within a week, one resident seriously injured

Depok, West Java, has been hit by two fires within the past week. Although there were no fatalities, the incidents resulted in one resident suffering serious burns and material damage to rental properties and electrical infrastructure. The Depok City Fire and Rescue Department (DPKP) reported that the two incidents occurred in the Cinere and Pancoran Mas districts. The first fire struck an electrical pole in the Bumi Pusaka Complex, Gandul Village, Cinere, on Wednesday (27 May 2026) evening. The second incident destroyed three rental houses along Pitara Raya Street, Rangkapan Jaya Village, on Thursday (28 May 2026) afternoon. Tesy Haryati, Head of the Operational Control Section at Depok City DPKP, stated that both incidents were caused by technical issues and domestic negligence. The Cinere fire was triggered by deteriorated wiring. ‘The electrical pole fire was caused by accumulated or friction between old or frayed electrical and internet cables,’ Tesy said in a statement on Friday (29 May 2026). In contrast, the fire that engulfed three rental houses on Pitara Raya Street was caused by a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinder leak. Tesy explained that the escaping gas was ignited by a spark when the occupant turned on the stove. As a result, one resident sustained serious burns. ‘The burn victims were immediately taken to the nearest hospital or emergency facility for appropriate medical treatment to prevent infection and manage shock,’ she added. To address the two incidents, Depok DPKP implemented a rapid response protocol to minimise the spread of flames to surrounding structures. Tesy stressed that personnel only left the scene after ensuring safety through cooling procedures. ‘We doused residual embers and hot materials to prevent new fire points. Swift action was critical in saving lives and minimising further losses,’ she concluded. Residents are urged to regularly inspect electrical installations and ensure gas regulator safety to prevent similar incidents in densely populated areas. (KG/I-1)