Helping hands: A few of the residents of Kampung Batu Putih helping to put out the fire that eventually destroyed 21 homes. — Bernama
KOTA KINABALU: A fire that broke out at a village in Sandakan destroyed 21 homes and a storage unit.
Two people – a child and an elderly person – were also injured in the incident at Kampung Batu Putih Jambatan 3.
The Fire and Rescue Department, upon receiving an emergency call at 10.40am yesterday, deployed firefighters to the scene within six minutes.
Sandakan Zone fire chief Jasri Ab Jal said the blaze destroyed wooden non-permanent houses built closely together, making it easy for the flames to spread.
“Our team managed to bring the fire under control by 11.41am.
“In total, 21 houses and a small storage unit were destroyed.
“We managed to save 50 nearby homes and three boats,” he said, adding that investigations are ongoing to determine the cause and total losses.
Jasri said water was sourced from fire engines, nearby hydrants and the sea.
Police said the two injured victims were treated on site inside an ambulance.
“Both suffered minor burns,” said Sandakan police’s head of internal security and public order division Deputy Supt Sham Osman.
He added that all the victims would be placed at a temporary relief centre at the Dewan Serbaguna Batu Putih.
