60 Traders' Lapak At Simpang Market Caused East Kotawaringin To Burn

The atmosphere of Simpang Pasar Kanai, Telawang District, East Kotawaringin Regency which was destroyed was destroyed after being hit by a large fire, Monday (11/27/2023). ANTARA/HO-Disdamkarmat Kotim

PALANGKA RAYA - A fire at Simpang Kayai Market, Talawang District, East Kotawaringin Regency, Central Kalimantan, early Monday morning scorched dozens of traders. "It is true, we received a report on the incident at 03.00 WIB. Information from friends in the field is approximately 60 stalls burned in this incident," said Head of the East Kotawaringin Fire and Rescue Service (Disdamkarmat) Hawianan in Sampit as reported by Antara, Monday, November 27 afternoon. The fire that destroyed the market area was only realized by residents when the fire had grown. With makeshift equipment, Telawang sector firefighters, firefighter volunteers, Koramil, police station, and local residents struggled to extinguish the blaze. Buildings made of wood make fires quickly spread. The burned area of approximately 30x90 square meters covers 60 stalls of traders. It took firefighters about three hours to extinguish the blaze. "The cause of the information fire we received was an electrical short circuit. Today we will also deploy an investigation team to the location," continued Hawianan. He continued that there were no casualties or injuries from this incident because when the fire broke out, the market was not yet operating. Pasar Simpang Kanai yang menjual bahan baik serta kebutuhan rumah tangga ini buka setiap hari dan selalu ramai dengan aktivitas jual beli. Namun, pada malam hingga dawn pasar ini sesih karena pedagang tidak tinggal di kawasan pasar. Losses are estimated at billions of millions of rupiah and an investigation team to the location of the fire for further investigation. Hawianan appealed to the public to be more aware of the potential for fires due to an electrical short circuit, especially during the rainy season. During the rainy season, the potential for strong winds increases so that it can cause friction between electric cables that trigger short circuits.

"Actually, the potential for fires remains, both in the rainy season and in the dry season, the only cause is different. In the rainy season the potential for electrical short circuits that lead to fires increases, so we urge the public to be vigilant," said Hawianan.