According to the Jakarta Fire Prevention and Rescue Agency, 155 fires were recorded in the capital over Ramadan and Idul Fitri (June 18-July 17).
The fires caused financial losses of up to Rp 43.8 billion.
This year saw a sharp increase in the number of fires during the Islamic holy month. Last year, 79 fires were recorded with a financial loss estimated at Rp 15.6 billion.
Most of the fires this year started in people’s houses.
“[The fires were caused] by faulty electrical wiring, and also because of exploding stoves,” said Abdul Chair, head of Jakarta’s Fire Prevention and Rescue Agency, as quoted by Metro TV today.
The agency is hoping the government can introduce programs to raise awareness about fire prevention among residents.
