Dial 113 to call firefighters

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Tue, 02/03/2009 3:38 PM  

It was 1974. 

Firefighters at the South Jakarta municipal fire station received a call: A chemical factory at Tanjung Priok, North Jakarta, was on fire. 

Sarmadji, now 55, one of the fire unit drivers was sent to the scene, said, "The ships at the port's docks were also caught in the wild fire. 

"We had a hard time finding a water source even though water was everywhere," Sarmadji said. 

"But we couldn't use saltwater because it could damage the pump and fire engine," said the man who has been serving for 36 years and will retire next year. 

The firefighters finally managed to extinguish the blaze at the chemical factory after fighting for nearly one full day, or 22 hours. 

That was only one of many hardships faced by firefighters throughout the city, Sarmadji said. 

"If there are not enough hydrants nearby, we have to find the closest river or other water sources and go back and forth for water," he said. 

One fire engine can hold between 4,000 and 10,000 liters of water, said Kaspul Arman, head of Jagakarsa team at South Jakarta's fire department. 

The 4,000-liter supply could last for 15 minutes depending on the pressure applied to spray water. 

The fire fighters usually work from 11 a.m. until 9 a.m. the next day. 

"We are used to working 24 hours," Sarmadji said. 

Another story about a callout to a blaze: "This time a fireworks factory in Tangerang. It was in 1978, I think," Sarmadji said. "The fire took 115 lives." 

The factory's door was too small, it was the only door, and it opened inward, not out. This problem caused most of the casualties as more than a hundred people jammed in the door trying to escape the inferno. 

Simple things like the size of a door and the direction the door opens are crucial for fire safety. 

Kaspul said some other obstacles for fire included people flocking to watch the fire, looking for water sources and locked residential portals. 

He had one crucial message. 

Not many people know the fire brigade's number to dial in case of fire, he said. 

"It's 113. Anytime you see a smoke coming out of a building, one thing should pop into your mind: Dial 113," he smiled. (iwp)

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