As many as 15 houses located in a densely populated area on Jalan Bungur Raya, RT 14/06, Kebayoran Lama Utara Urban Village, Kebayoran Sub-District, South Jakarta, burned down when people were about to go to mosque for Jumat prayer, Friday (6/27).

Fire also razed a building material store, thus it quickly enlarged because there were many flammable materials. From 15 houses burned, two were big houses, while the rest were rented houses

“When I sat in front of my house at around 11.30 AM, fire suddenly came out from behind the house. At that time, my father was already gone to the mosque,” expressed Upi (56), one of fire victims whose homes burned.

Meanwhile, Ratim (52), an eyewitness, disclosed that the fire originated from the 2nd floor of the house owned by the late H. Amzah. The house was occupied by his children.

“ Fire also razed a building material store, thus it quickly enlarged because there were many flammable materials. From 15 houses burned, two were big houses, while the rest were rented houses ,” he told.

According to Head of South Jakarta Fire and Disaster Handling Sub-Department Disaster Management Section, Ipung Manik, there is no casualty in this incident which allegedly triggered by electricity short-circuit. As many as 15 fire trucks were sent to the scene.

“Firemen had difficulties in putting the flames out due to narrow access, but they finally able to extinguish the fire in 30 minutes. The loss is predicted reaching hundreds of millions rupiah. This case is investigated by the police,” he stated.