Semi-permanent Building In Johar Baru Area Devoured By Fire

Residents of Johar Baru trying to extinguish the fire that devoured the semi-permanent building/ Photo: IST

JAKARTA - A number of houses in the Gaplok Market area, Kramat Pulo, Central Jakarta were destroyed by fire. Fire spreads quickly because material objects are flammable.

The burning houses were dominated by wood so the fire spread. The area is also a densely populated area and semi-permanent building.

"The fire-fighting process is still being carried out since 08.42 WIB," said Head of Central Jakarta Fire and Rescue Sub-dept. Unggul Cahyono, Unggul Cahyono, Wednesday, December 15.

At least 17 fire engines were dispatched to the location to extinguish the fire. It is suspected that the fire started from an electrical short in one of the rented houses.

According to Dewi, one of the traders, the fire came from one of the rented houses that was left by the owner. At that time, from the two-story rented house, it could be seen that the fire had soared high.

"Earlier the fire was seen growing on the second floor of the rented house. The fire was seen at around 08.30 WIB," said Dewi, Wednesday, December 15.

As a result of the fire, Dewi's kiosk also caught fire. Dewi said that she could not save her merchandise. He could only save a little merchandise and valuables from his stall.

"I couldn't save everything, my stalls and merchandise sold out," he said.

Meanwhile, Head of the Central Jakarta Gulkarmat Sub-dept., Asril Rizal, said that his party was still trying to extinguish the fire. The exact cause of the fire that destroyed the Gaplok market is not yet known.

"Still under treatment, our officers are still trying to extinguish the fire," he said.

Meanwhile, due to the fire, the railroad crossing was temporarily stopped because many people were watching and merchandise was placed on the edge of the rail.

Until now, firefighters are still trying to extinguish the fire with the help of residents.

"The cooling process has been completed. We have deployed 68 firefighters at the location," he said.