A fire that broke out on Putri Hijau Street in Kesawan Village, West Medan District, Medan, in the early hours of the morning destroyed 29 houses and affected 338 residents in the area.

According to gathered information, the fire is suspected to have originated from a resident burning trash early that morning. “Based on the information I received, someone was burning trash that night. Their house was at the back. Because the wind was strong, the fire quickly spread and reached the houses in the front,” said Dilah, who was met at Musholla Istiqomah, where residents took temporary shelter. Dilah, whose mother and younger sibling were victims of the fire, said the rapid spread of flames caused panic among residents. They immediately fled their homes to save themselves, unable to salvage valuable belongings, including identification cards. “The fire spread too quickly between houses. We didn’t have time to save valuables—only the clothes we were wearing. Even our IDs burned,” said Bahar.

Bahar, one of the fire victims temporarily sheltering at Musholla Istiqomah.

The elderly man expressed gratitude for being able to escape with his wife and child. “Material possessions can be replaced later, but lives cannot,” he said.

Data from the Medan City Regional Disaster Management Agency (BNPD) recorded 29 burned houses, affecting 34 families.

The BNPD set up two tents: one for temporary shelter and another for storing aid supplies.

The total number of affected individuals reached 338, including 113 permanent residents and 225 boarding tenants. An official at the BNPD tent in the Kesawan Village Office stated that aid had arrived from the Medan City Government and other sources. “The city provided rice, instant noodles, clothing, and food. Additional support came from local legislators and youth organizations,” they said. The official added that the city distributed 400 packaged meals in the morning and another 400 in the afternoon, along with rice, instant noodles, and bottled water. The BNPD also set up two tents and two mobile toilets at the Kesawan Village Office. Some fire victims are also staying temporarily at Musholla Istiqomah.

Putri Hijau Street

Putri Hijau Street, located in Medan, Indonesia, is named after the legendary Malay princess Putri Hijau (“Green Princess”), who is central to local folklore. The area reflects Medan’s rich cultural heritage, blending colonial architecture with traditional Malay influences. Historically, it has been a vibrant part of the city, showcasing its multicultural past through nearby landmarks like the Maimun Palace and Great Mosque of Medan.

Kesawan Village

Kesawan Village, located in Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia, is a historic area known for its colonial-era architecture and cultural significance. Once a bustling commercial hub during the Dutch colonial period, it features well-preserved buildings like the Tjong A Fie Mansion, reflecting Medan’s multicultural heritage. Today, it is a vibrant spot blending history, commerce, and local traditions.

West Medan District

West Medan District is a bustling urban area in Medan, Indonesia, known for its commercial and cultural significance. Historically, it developed as a key economic hub during the Dutch colonial era, with influences seen in its architecture and urban layout. Today, it remains a vibrant part of the city, blending modern development with historical landmarks like the Tjong A Fie Mansion.

Musholla Istiqomah

Musholla Istiqomah is a small mosque or prayer room (musholla) commonly found in Indonesian communities, serving as a place for daily prayers and religious activities. While specific historical details about Musholla Istiqomah may vary by location, such mushollas are typically established by local communities to provide accessible spaces for worship and Quranic study. They reflect Indonesia’s strong Islamic traditions and the importance of communal faith practices.

Medan City Regional Disaster Management Agency (BNPD)

The Medan City Regional Disaster Management Agency (BNPD) is a local government body in Medan, Indonesia, responsible for disaster prevention, mitigation, and response. Established to address natural and man-made disasters, it coordinates emergency efforts, public awareness campaigns, and recovery programs in the region. Its work is critical given Medan’s vulnerability to floods, earthquakes, and other hazards common in North Sumatra.

Kesawan Village Office

The Kesawan Village Office is a historical administrative building located in Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia. It stands in the Kesawan area, a district known for its colonial-era architecture dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries when Medan was a major trading hub under Dutch rule. The office reflects the region’s cultural heritage and serves as a reminder of Medan’s development during the colonial period.