BATTAMBANG: A fire engulfed a government residence building at around 12:40 am (after midnight) on Friday, 29 December, at Tuol Samrong rice seed farm in group 22, O'nhor village, Boeung Pring commune, Thmor Kol district, Battambang province.

The fire destroyed a government building with rooms for four families, measuring six by 36 meters, made of wood with stone walls and cypress roof, which incurred 90% damage.

Chhay Chhim, 51, reported that all the equipment in his family's room was completely destroyed, worth a total of about 120 million riel.

The second family affected was 70-year-old Hing Sang's, with all equipment also destroyed, amounting to a total of about 20 million riel in damages.

Nhong Soun, 72, lost a motorcycle and some other equipment, amounting to about 20 million riel in damages.

Finally, 52-year-old Chuor Ratanak, also lost all the equipment in his room, worth a total of about 160 million riel.

Authorities immediately deployed four fire trucks to the scene, including one from the district and three from the fire department. Five trucks of water were used to completely put out the fire and prevent it from spreading. The cause of the fire is currently being investigated.