The massive fire that engulfed Remu Central Market in Sorong City, Southwest Papua, on Saturday (28/9/2024) afternoon was a major challenge for firefighters. The extinguishing process lasted about seven hours, with the situation complicated by the crowded market conditions and the large number of residents who gathered to witness and capture the moment of the fire. This made it difficult for the firefighters to tackle the fire.
The fire, which broke out at around 6pm local time, is believed to have originated in Los A of the market. The majority of the market buildings are made of flammable materials, causing the fire to spread quickly and more than 500 stalls to burn down.
Efforts to extinguish the fire were carried out by three fire trucks from the local government and a water canon belonging to the police, as well as dozens of water tanks.
Despite being assisted by residents, officers had difficulty because access to the fire scene was hampered by the density of the market and traders trying to save their merchandise.
Residents crowding around the fire scene also made it difficult to extinguish the fire. Despite repeated calls to move away for safety, many residents did not heed them.
Police officers managed to secure several people suspected of looting at the scene of the fire.
Sorong City Police Chief, Police Commissioner Happy Perdana Yudianto, stated that the exact cause of the fire is not yet known. More than 500 stalls and kiosks are estimated to have been burned down, while losses are still being collected.
Hundreds of police officers were deployed to anticipate looting. Luckily, no injuries or fatalities were reported.