SANDAKAN: Firefighters have urged residents to stay vigilant following two major fires in the same area within 10 days, warning that negligence remains a leading cause of such incidents.
Sandakan Zone Fire Commander Jasri Ab Jal said most fires were linked to unattended cooking and unsafe electrical practices, especially during the current hot and dry spell.
“Ensure that cooking is not left unattended. We adopt the 3L approach — do not be careless, forgetful, or negligent, as most fire statistics show these incidents are caused by human negligence.
“At the same time, the public must be cautious with electricity use. Avoid unsafe or excessive connections as they can increase the risk of fire, especially in hot weather,” he said when met at the scene, Wednesday (April 29).
He said the latest incident at Jalan Bokara, Kampung PPH Karamunting, was reported via the MERS 999 emergency line at 3.16am, and a total of 30 houses were destroyed in the blaze.
The firemen, however, managed to save 120 other houses from being engulfed.
Jasri said firefighters adopted both offensive and defensive strategies, dividing the operation into multiple sectors to contain the fire.
The blaze was brought under control at 4.29am and operations ended at 7.01am, with no injuries reported among residents or firefighters.
However, he said crews faced challenges due to low water pressure, requiring supply from a nearby hydrant to be channelled to water tankers.
Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing.
The incident came just 10 days after a massive fire in Kampung Bahagia, Batu Sapi that destroyed about 1,000 homes, underscoring growing concerns over fire safety in densely populated settlements in the district.
