Fire razes Kasongan Market in Indonesia, damaging homes, shops and schools in Central Kalimantan blaze

INDONESIA: A major fire swept through the Kasongan Market area in Katingan Regency, Central Kalimantan, late on Sunday, 25 January, destroying dozens of structures including residential homes, market kiosks, shop-houses and school buildings.

The blaze broke out at the Pasar Kasongan complex on Jalan Bungai, in the Kasongan Lama sub-district of Katingan Hilir, and burned for several hours before being fully extinguished in the early hours of Monday, 26 January.

According to local authorities, firefighting efforts began at approximately 9.00 pm local time on Sunday and continued for around seven hours. The fire was brought under control shortly after midnight.

Electrical short circuit suspected

The head of Katingan’s Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD), Markus, said preliminary assessments suggested the fire was caused by an electrical short circuit.

“It was suspected to have been caused by a short circuit. The fire was successfully extinguished last night until early morning,” Markus told local media on Tuesday.

Fire crews deployed water supplies of up to 5,000 litres during the operation.

Personnel from the police and military, along with local residents, assisted firefighters in containing the flames.

Fire spread rapidly due to strong winds

Kasongan Lama village head Zainal Fahrudin said the fire was believed to have originated behind one of the market kiosks in Jalan Bungai RT 007 RW 004.

He explained that strong winds contributed to the rapid spread of the fire, allowing flames to move quickly from the market area into nearby residential houses and shop buildings.

Initial assessments confirmed that at least 15 buildings were destroyed. However, preliminary data suggested the total number of affected structures could reach 17.

The damaged buildings included residential homes, market kiosks, shop-houses, barracks and school facilities. Authorities cautioned that the figures could change as verification continues.

Schools affected, students relocated

Two schools located close to the fire site were impacted by the blaze. They were identified as Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Negeri (MIN) 1 Katingan and Madrasah Tsanawiyah (MTs) Al Badar Kasongan.

At MTs Al Badar Kasongan, three classrooms were damaged, disrupting normal learning activities. Although no injuries or fatalities were reported, the material losses were described as significant.

Hundreds of students from the affected schools were forced to relocate to temporary classrooms to ensure teaching and learning could continue.

“Education must remain a priority and cannot stop. We are working to find the best solution,” Katingan Regent Saipul said after inspecting the fire site on Monday, according to Antara.

Official damage figures still being verified

Regent Saipul said local authorities were still collecting and verifying data on the number of buildings destroyed and the families affected.

“Based on our temporary data, around 17 buildings were destroyed. This figure may change as data collection continues,” he said.

Dozens of residents were reported to have suffered heavy losses, particularly those whose homes and businesses were located within the densely packed market area.

Local officials said comprehensive assessments were required before final figures could be confirmed and compensation measures discussed.

Police seal off site, forensic team deployed

Police have sealed off the affected area as part of an ongoing investigation into the cause of the fire.

Head of the Katingan Hilir Criminal Investigation Unit, Iptu Gusti Adabi, said a police line had been installed around the site to prevent interference with evidence.

“For now, we are handling the case by installing a police line at the location,” he said.

A forensic team from the National Police forensic laboratory (Puslabfor) in Banjarmasin was scheduled to arrive on Tuesday to collect and analyse evidence from the scene.

Gusti said investigators would examine ash residues, remaining electrical cables and power meter centres to determine the fire’s point of origin.

“We are still identifying the initial point of the fire. Several items such as remaining cables and the electrical meter centre will be examined,” he said.

Aid and emergency support for victims

In the aftermath of the incident, the local administration worked with residents to establish evacuation posts and public kitchens for those affected.

Clothing and basic necessities were distributed, while authorities compiled verified data on victims to ensure aid reached those most in need.

Regent Saipul said coordination between government agencies and the community was ongoing, with a focus on recovery and restoring essential services.

Officials also said further assistance measures would be considered once the investigation and damage assessments were completed.