KOTA KINABALU: Some 40 squatter homes in Tawau district were razed in an early morning blaze on Monday (Feb 2).
The fire, which started just before 10am, spread quickly because of the proximity of structures and flammable materials used to build the houses, in Kampung Titingan.
Tawau fire station chief Jemishin Ujin said they received a distress call at 10.15am, and a team comprising 25 personnel from the station, and seven more from the Titingan community Bomba, were dispatched.
Other agencies involved in the operation were the police, Sabah Electricity, Civil Defence and Sabah Water Department.
"The rescue and response team had difficulty putting out the fire because of low water pressure as well as inconsistent wind conditions," Jemishin said, adding that firemen used water from their own engines, water tankers, fire hydrants and even drains.
They managed to bring the blaze under control at around 11.54am, and ended operations on site at 3.19pm after eliminating all hazardous elements.
No one was reported hurt in the incident.
The cause of the fire is being investigated.
