2026 Kasongan Market fire

The Kasongan Market area is a traditional trading hub directly adjacent to a densely populated residential area. The majority of the buildings in the area are constructed from timber and semi-permanent materials, with relatively close proximity between structures. These conditions increased the risk of rapid fire spread in the event of an outbreak. == Chronology ==

The fire was first reported on Sunday, 25 January 2026, at approximately 9:00–10:21 PM WIB. The fire reportedly originated from the rear of a food stall on Jalan Bungai, RT 007 RW 004, Kasongan Lama Village. Within a short period, the blaze intensified and spread to surrounding buildings due to strong winds, a high concentration of flammable materials, and the high density of structures in the area. Firefighting efforts lasted for approximately seven hours, with the blaze finally brought under full control in the early hours of Monday, 26 January 2026, at around 1:00 AM. Following the initial containment, emergency crews conducted cooling operations to prevent reignition. On Monday night, 26 January 2026, small hotspots were reported to have reappeared from smoldering debris, requiring additional cooling efforts by firefighters. == Firefighting efforts ==

The emergency response involved a joint team from various agencies and volunteer groups. Extinguishment was carried out by the Katingan Regency Fire Department, assisted by firefighting teams from Palangka Raya City, the Central Kalimantan Provincial Forestry Service, the Katingan Regency Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), as well as numerous volunteers and private volunteer fire brigades (BPK). During the operation, crews deployed water supply tankers with capacities up to 5,000 liters alongside portable firefighting equipment. The primary focus was on containment to prevent the fire from spreading to wider residential areas. == Impact and damage ==

The fire resulted in the destruction of at least 15–17 buildings. Affected structures included residential homes, kiosks, shop-houses, and two educational facilities: Al Badar State Islamic Primary School (MIN 1) Kasongan and Al Badar Islamic Junior High School (MTs). A total of 374 people were affected by the disaster. Educational activities were also disrupted, with 301 students from both schools impacted and forced to relocate to alternative learning sites temporarily. No fatalities or injuries were reported, though material losses were estimated to be substantial. == Aftermath ==

The Katingan Regency BPBD established emergency tents and relief posts for affected residents. The Katingan Regency Government conducted victim data collection and distributed initial logistical aid. Some residents chose to temporarily evacuate to the homes of relatives or acquaintances. To ensure educational continuity, the local government, school authorities, and the local educational foundation prepared temporary locations for teaching and learning activities, including the use of other schools and nearby public facilities in Kasongan. == Investigation ==

According to preliminary statements from the Katingan Regency BPBD and fire officials, the fire is suspected to have been triggered by an electrical short circuit in one of the buildings within the market area. To determine the exact cause, the Katingan Regional Police cordoned off the scene and launched a further investigation. The Indonesian National Police Forensic Laboratory Center (Puslabfor) from Banjarmasin was deployed to examine evidence, including electrical wiring remains, electricity meters, and debris, to identify the fire's point of origin and its official cause. == International attention ==

The Kasongan Market fire also drew coverage from international media. A global disaster monitoring account on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) published footage of the blaze, describing it as a massive fire affecting a residential area in Indonesia. The post attracted significant engagement from the international online community. == References ==