Fire Losses in West Jakarta Reaching Rp 24 Billion
Reported by Devi Lusianawati | Translated by Arief Rahman
Fire remains a frightening specter for West Jakarta residents, especially in dry season like now. Almost every day fire happens in this region. The data from West Jakarta Fire and Disaster Handling Sub-Department recorded that from January to September there were 167 cases of fire with total losses reaching Rp 24 billion.
From eight sub-districts, Kalideres and Cengkareng are most vulnerable sub-districts to fire
Head Operational of West Jakarta Fire and Disaster Handling Sub-Department, Abdul Wahid, said the main cause of those fire cases was electricity short circuit for as much as 96 cases. Other causes were exploding stove 14 cases, lamp 1 case, cigarette butt 4 cases, and other 32 cases.
“We urged the residents to be more careful, especially in the use of electricity. Many things to do, including not accumulating plugs and check the installation or watch for the connection that is not tight enough,” he stated, Wednesday (1/10).
Fire Under Klender Flyover, Loss Suffered Rp 600 MillionWahid also noted that the highest fire cases happened in September with 27 cases. Next are March 26 cases, April 19 cases, August 19 cases, July 18 cases, February 17 cases, May 17 cases, June 16 cases, and January 8 cases.
“From eight sub-districts, Kalideres and Cengkareng are most vulnerable sub-districts to fire,” he told.
To minimize fire occurrence, Wahid explained that his department regularly conducts outreach to the community in form of Environmental Safety Security System (SKKL). In this program, residents are taught how to extinguish fire early.
“We have conducted outreach to the residents on how to extinguish fire. One of the ways taught is traditional way by using wet sacks. In addition, we also taught them on how to use APAR (light fire extinguisher),” he uttered.
According to Wahid, his side is also active in forming teams of Fire Volunteer Assistance (Balakar) in RTs and RWs.
“Each region has a Balakar team and Balakar post which function as information centre of early stages of fire. At this time, Palmerah Sub-District is the most active region in forming Balakar,” he informed.
