Kutacane | A fire broke out in a residential shop house (ruko) located in Pulonas Village, Babussalam Subdistrict, Southeast Aceh Regency, on Saturday afternoon, July 5, 2025, at approximately 3:15 PM local time. The blaze engulfed the kitchen area, which was used for a small fast-food business, and is initially suspected to have been caused by a leaking LPG gas cylinder. Firefighters from the Aceh Tenggara Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) managed to extinguish the flames by 3:25 PM, just ten minutes after the fire was reported.
The incident began when local residents noticed smoke rising from the rear part of the building. Concerned for the safety of the occupants and neighboring structures, they promptly alerted emergency services. Responding swiftly, BPBD deployed two fire engines from the city fire station and the Kandang Mbelang outpost. Upon arrival, firefighters worked alongside local residents, members of the military (TNI), and police to bring the blaze under control.
Mohd. Asbi, ST.MM, Head of BPBD Southeast Aceh, confirmed the fire and stated that quick response teams from the Pusdalops Disaster Operations Control Center were immediately dispatched to the scene. Thanks to the coordinated effort, the fire was contained before it could spread further, though the kitchen area and part of the business inventory were lost in the fire.
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No fatalities or injuries were reported. The incident affected one household, consisting of five individuals, including the shop owner and several staff members who were present during the fire. The structure itself sustained only minor damage and was classified as lightly damaged. While the cause of the fire is still under investigation, initial reports suggest it may have resulted from a gas leak.
BPBD teams have conducted a rapid damage assessment at the site and documented the event for official records. The situation has since been declared under control, with no need for evacuations and no injuries reported. Normal activities in the village have resumed.
Post-incident monitoring continues, with BPBD personnel maintaining oversight to ensure no further hazards arise. Officials have also urged residents to remain vigilant when using gas-based cooking appliances and to routinely inspect gas lines and regulators to prevent similar accidents.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of community awareness and rapid emergency response in managing domestic fires. The coordinated effort between firefighters, local volunteers, and security personnel prevented the fire from escalating into a major disaster. BPBD Southeast Aceh reaffirmed its commitment to improving disaster preparedness, enhancing early warning systems, and protecting the safety and well-being of residents. (*)
