So far in 2009, 50 fires

have occurred in 10 cities and provinces throughout Cambodia, an

official at the National Committee for Disaster Management said

Tuesday. Chao Lay, assistant to Ly Thuch, who is the second deputy

president of the committee, said 650 houses, 230 stores and 60 tonnes

of unhusked rice have been destroyed by fire this year, which also

caused nine deaths and injuries to five people.