A massive fire occurred in a densely populated residential area located on Jalan Gunung Panjang, Gang Gunung Panjang, Tanjung Redeb District, on Sunday (12/7/26). The raging fire quickly consumed a number of houses and rented rooms in the area, triggering a rapid response from a joint rescue team.
Head of the Berau Regency Fire and Rescue Agency (Disdamkarmat), Rakhmadi Pasarakan, stated that his party is still conducting a detailed assessment regarding the total material losses. Although initial reports mentioned at least four to five buildings were affected, the exact number is still being identified due to the many partitions of the rented houses that caught fire.
The firefighting operation involved the deployment of 10 fleet units from Berau Disdamkarmat, supported by two units from the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), as well as assistance from volunteers and other relevant stakeholders. Synergy between the officers and local residents was deemed crucial in accelerating the firefighting process, despite being temporarily hindered by strong winds at the scene.
Rakhmadi added that the relatively narrow access to the fire site posed a technical challenge for personnel on the ground. To anticipate these obstacles, the fleet was deployed at several strategic points. The cooling process of the area was carried out immediately after the main fire was brought under control within one hour.
In the incident, a firefighter reportedly experienced breathing difficulties due to smoke inhalation and received immediate medical attention. Authorities are currently awaiting the results of a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire. The public is urged to remain vigilant and immediately report to the Disdamkarmat Post at 0851-7700-1113 if they notice any potential fire hazards.
