Media Kampung – 27 Maret 2026 | At night of Lebaran, a fire erupted in a market area of Pekanbaru, destroying eight vendor stalls and a nearby house.
The blaze was reported to the fire department at approximately 02:30 local time, prompting immediate dispatch of several fire units.
Firefighters arrived within minutes and began tackling the flames with water trucks and a rescue vehicle equipped for interior demolition.
The fire quickly spread from a wooden kiosk to adjacent stalls and then to a residential building located at the back of the market.
Narrow alleys and tightly packed structures hampered the movement of fire engines, forcing crews to work on foot.
After more than two hours of effort, the flames were finally contained and extinguished.
No fatalities were recorded, but several occupants sustained minor smoke inhalation and were treated on site.
The local health post confirmed that the injured were stable and released after observation.
Head of the Pekanbaru Fire and Rescue Agency, Hendra Ahmad, said the incident highlighted persistent fire risks in densely populated commercial zones.
He added that the department had deployed seven fire posts and a rescue vehicle to the scene.
The chief noted that the initial ignition point appeared to be a cooking stove inside one of the kiosks, though investigations are ongoing.
Residents near the market reported hearing a loud crack before the flames became visible, suggesting a possible gas explosion.
Two motorcycles parked nearby were also damaged by the blast, adding to the overall material loss.
The affected vendors estimated that the destruction of their stalls and inventory amounts to several hundred million rupiah.
One merchant, Arif, described his loss as “a severe setback during the most important festive period.”
He said that most of his goods, including perishable food items, were completely ruined by the fire.
The fire also damaged the roof and walls of the adjacent house, forcing its occupants to relocate temporarily.
Local authorities have begun a rapid assessment of the damage and promised compensation for affected families.
The municipal government announced that temporary stalls will be set up in a nearby field to allow vendors to resume sales.
Officials also urged market traders to adopt stricter safety protocols, such as using fire‑resistant materials and regular equipment checks.
The fire department plans to conduct fire‑safety training sessions for all market operators within the next weeks.
Police have secured the area and are collecting evidence to determine the exact cause of the ignition.
Early statements suggest that faulty electrical wiring could be a contributing factor, but no definitive conclusion has been reached.
The incident occurred during the Ramadan holiday, a period when market activity is typically high due to increased consumer demand.
Community leaders expressed concern over the economic impact on small traders who depend on daily sales for livelihood.
The mayor of Pekanbaru, Hendra Saputra, visited the site and pledged support for reconstruction efforts.
He emphasized that public safety must be prioritized, especially during festive gatherings.
The fire underscores the need for better urban planning to ensure adequate access routes for emergency services.
Urban planners in the city have been urged to review market layouts and implement wider passageways.
As of the latest update, the damaged area remains cordoned off while cleanup operations continue.
The city hopes to restore normal market activity before the end of the Lebaran celebrations.
Artikel ini dipublikasikan oleh Media Kampung.
Tinggalkan Balasan