TAWAU: A total of 36 local residents were left homeless after their homes were destroyed in a fire at Lorong Haji Shafie, Kampung Islamiah, Jalan Datuk Titingan off Jalan Utara, here, at 3.30pm, on Monday.
Tawau Fire and Rescue Station (BBP) Chief Deputy Fire Superintendent II Jemishin Ujin said the fire spread rapidly because the houses were built close to each other.
He said four wooden houses were completely destroyed, while another was 60 per cent damaged, but all the occupants managed to escape to safety.
According to him, the Fire and Rescue Department received an emergency call at 3.34pm and the first fire engine arrived at the village at 3.40pm with a team of 19 personnel from the Tawau Fire and Rescue Station.
“The operation was joined by eight personnel from the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM), six police officers and assisted by 10 Community Fire Brigade members,” he said.
Jemishin said the firefighters had to climb up high fences topped with iron spikes surrounding residential lots.
He added that the blaze was brought under control at 5.20pm, while firefighting and overhaul operations were fully concluded at 5.47pm after firefighters were satisfied there were no further threats at the scene. Investigations are still underway to determine the exact cause of the fire and losses.
