A major fire in Taraz has left 10 families without housing. The blaze destroyed two apartments and part of the roof of a barrack-type building. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
The fire broke out several days ago. According to residents, the flames started in one of the apartments and then spread to the roof. Thirty rescuers fought the blaze. It took about an hour and a half to extinguish the fire.
The total area of the fire was around 250 square meters. Two apartments burned out completely, while the remaining premises were damaged.
Residents are now trying to salvage their surviving belongings. Because of the firefighting effort, some apartments were flooded.
"Water is still running, it is still flowing. The stretch ceiling is completely filled with water. The back room is also flooded. All the blankets and mattresses are wet. Here, we are laying everything out to dry," said Sabira Koldasova, a resident of the building.
Thirty people were left without housing, including five children. Some of the fire victims are staying with relatives, while others were temporarily placed in special centers. Several people set up sleeping places next to the burned-out building.
"We are living in a tent. Those who have relatives are staying with them. No one is cooking food here right now. There are no utilities. There is no help at all," said Akhmetzhan Zhamalbekov.
People fear the approaching cold weather and are asking local authorities to help with housing. Taraz Akim Bakytzhan Orynbekov visited the site of the fire. According to him, a decision on payments will be made after the emergency situations department issues its conclusion.
"Within two days the investigative actions will be fully completed, and the results will be provided to us. On their basis we will determine the amount of payments. Until that conclusion is in our hands, we will not be able to do anything," said Taraz Akim Bakytzhan Orynbekov.
A special commission is establishing the cause of the fire and calculating the damage caused to residents. The fire victims may receive a one-time payment from the budget — its maximum amount will be about 1.3 million tenge.