80 houses in Tawau water village up in smoke in Sunday morning fire

An aerial view showing the aftermath of a massive fire at a water village in Kampung Sri Aman, Batu 3, Jalan Apas, Tawau, Sunday morning (Jan 12). Photo credit: Tawau BOMBA.

KOTA KINABALU: A water village in Tawau went up in flames on Sunday morning (Jan 12) with 80 houses razed.

The fire in Kampung Sri Aman, Batu 3, Jalan Apas, Tawau also saw three people suffer breathing difficulties due to smoke inhalation.

Tawau Fire and Rescue Department station chief Jemishin Ujin said a distress call was received at 7.46am, prompting the dispatch of 44 firefighters.

The team arrived at the scene about 6km away, seven minutes later.

"We were also supported by four firefighters from Kunak and seven from the Titingan community firefighting team," he said.

Firefighters in action at a water village in Kampung Sri Aman, Batu 3, Jalan Apas, Tawau, Sunday morning (Jan 12). Photo credit: Tawau BOMBA.

Jemishin explained that the fire spread rapidly through the village as most of the houses were made of wood.

"About 80 houses were completely destroyed. Our team managed to bring the fire under control by 9.20am using two 300-foot hoses and three water jets, drawing water from fire engines and nearby hydrants," he added.

Additional assistance was provided by 17 members of the Civil Defence Force (APM), eight from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), and three from Sabah Electricity.

Operations are ongoing, and no further casualties have been reported.

The victims were promptly given first aid on-site by the Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) team from the Fire and Rescue Services Department.

Investigations into the cause of the fire are underway.