Fire leaves scores of families homeless for Raya in Kudat

Residents watch as the fire spreads to other houses in Kudat

KOTA KINABALU: Scores of families in the northern Kudat district are facing a bleak Hari Raya after more than 200 houses were destroyed in a fire early Saturday.

There were casualties reported after the 1.45am fire swept through the Kampung Tanjung Kapor settlement, about 2kms from Kudat town.

Sabah Fire and Rescue Services Department spokesman Affendy Ramin said two fire engines with 23 personnel from the Kudat station reached the scene about five minutes after being alerted.

Two more engines with five personnel were rushed in from Kota Marudu, about 80kms away.

Affendy said the fire spread quickly through the wooden houses that were close to each other, hampering the firemen’s efforts to bring it under control.

He said firemen completed their operations just after 7am.

The cause of the fire and total losses were still being determined.