Fire razes houses in Belu

JAKARTA: Fire has destroyed 10 traditional houses in Nualain traditional village in Lamakmen village of Belu Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, and caused millions of rupiah in losses.

According to kompas.com, the cause of the fire was the burner of a stove which was flaring when the house owner was out. Only two houses survived the fire.

Lamakmen village head Marcel Koli Mela said the fire took place on Friday night and quickly razed other houses made from mangrove trees, leaves and grass.

Nualain is one of 10 villages used as a meeting place for tribal members to discuss marriage ceremonies and other rituals. The 10 villages are popular tourist destinations.

Local police estimated the fire caused around Rp 200 million (US$20,000) in losses. - JP