TAWAU: A repeat of Sandakan’s Kg Bahagia fire that left 9,000 homeless last month was averted in one of the largest squatter settlements here – thanks to swift action by the Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM).
A total of 51 victims from nine households lost their homes.
The effort prevented about 2,000 homes from being destroyed in a fire at Kg Titingan Laut, Block 6, last Friday.
Tawau Fire and Rescue Station chief Jemishin Ujin said the incident destroyed three non-permanent houses, while a 65-year-old elderly woman was reported to have suffered breathing difficulties.
He said the victim received initial treatment from the Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) team at the scene.
He said 21 personnel from the Tawau Fire and Rescue Station were deployed to the scene after receiving an emergency call at 1.36pm, led by Operations Commander PBK II Azlan Awang Ki.
“The fire team arrived at the location at 1.40pm and immediately carried out firefighting operations to prevent the blaze from spreading to the nearby densely populated settlement.
“The operation used one 500-foot hose line with two water jets supplied from a water tanker and a nearby fire hydrant.
“Thanks to the swift action of firefighters at the scene, the fire was brought under control at 2.06pm, saving about 2,000 houses in the area from being affected,” he said.
Jemishin said the operation ended at 3.20pm after firefighters ensured there were no further hazards at the location.
The operation was also assisted by the Titingan Community Fire Brigade, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM).
