Fire in Papua kills 11, including six children

A deadly fire has swept through a residential area in Papua province in eastern Indonesia, leaving at least 11 people dead, including six children, authorities said. Emergency responders arrived at the scene to find the fire had rapidly consumed multiple structures in the affected neighbourhood. The cause of the blaze is still under investigation.

Local officials said the fire spread quickly through the settlement, making it difficult for residents to escape. Firefighting teams worked to contain the flames and prevent the fire from spreading further to nearby homes. The exact number of people who may be missing remains unclear as rescue operations continue.

Papua, Indonesia's easternmost province, is prone to fires during the dry season. Poor infrastructure and limited access to emergency services in remote areas have historically complicated disaster response efforts. The provincial government has pledged to investigate the incident and provide support to affected families. Relief agencies are assessing the extent of the damage and preparing humanitarian assistance for survivors who have lost their homes.