According to information collected at the scene, the fire started at about 11.30 local time and destroyed 24 houses in two neighborhoods.
More than 10 fire-trucks were sent to the scene but they met with difficulties because the streets leading to the site were too narrow and crowded with thousands of people.
The fire which started at the house of one of the residents spread quickly as the houses were located very close to each other and made mostly of wood.
The blaze was eventually overcome by 12. 30 local time but 26 families or about 61 people were left homeless.
Hapsi, head of one of the local neighborhood associations, cited witnesses as saying the fire started at the house of Haji Welang from where it jumped to other houses. It was temporarily believed the fire was caused by a leaking gas-fired oven at Haji Welang`s house.
(Uu.HAJM/S012)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2012
