KUCHING – In the early hours of this morning, six units of rental houses in Kampung Tabuan Cemerlang, located on Jalan Setia Raja, were reduced to ashes in a fire that shocked the local community. The fire, which started around 9:00 a.m., caused significant damage but fortunately did not result in any injuries or casualties.
Rapid Response by Sarawak Firefighters
The Sarawak Operations Center was alerted to the fire at 9:03 a.m. A team from Balai Bomba dan Penyelamat (BBP) Tabuan Jaya was immediately dispatched to the scene to combat the blaze. Given the severity of the situation, additional support was requested from BBP Padungan, and together, the teams worked tirelessly to bring the fire under control.
Firefighting Efforts at the Scene
Upon arrival, firefighters were met with the daunting sight of a six-door rental house engulfed in flames. The structure, described as non-permanent, was completely consumed by the fire, leaving little hope of salvaging any part of the building.
The firefighting team acted swiftly, deploying a 1,200-foot hose line and two nozzles to attack the fire. Water was sourced from the machinery tank, ensuring a continuous supply to douse the flames. Despite the challenges posed by the intensity of the fire, the brave firefighters managed to bring the situation under control within half an hour. The fire was officially declared under control at 9:27 a.m.
Overhaul Operations to Prevent Re-Ignition
Even after successfully extinguishing the fire, the firefighters remained on-site to conduct thorough overhaul operations. This crucial step was taken to ensure that there were no remaining hot spots that could reignite and cause further damage.
According to a spokesperson from the Sarawak Operations Center, “The fire brigade then carried out extinguishing works by using one stream of 1,200 feet, two nozzles, and using water sourced from the machinery tank.” He added that the firefighters are still conducting overhaul work to prevent any chance of repeated fires.
Community Response and Relief Efforts
The fire has left the affected families in Kampung Tabuan Cemerlang without homes, and the local community has rallied to support them. Immediate efforts are being made to provide temporary shelter and essential supplies to those who have lost their homes in this unfortunate incident. The state government, along with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), is expected to step in with further assistance.
A Call for Vigilance During Dry Season
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of fire safety, especially during the dry season when the risk of fires increases. Residents are urged to take extra precautions, such as ensuring that electrical appliances are turned off when not in use and that there are no flammable materials left unattended.
The Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) has also called on the public to remain vigilant and report any fire hazards they may encounter. Early detection and prompt action are key to preventing such devastating fires.
The Aftermath and Recovery
As the community begins to recover from this tragic event, the focus will now shift to investigating the cause of the fire. The authorities are expected to carry out a thorough investigation to determine what led to the blaze and to prevent similar incidents in the future.
For the families affected, the road to recovery will be long, but with the support of the community and government, they will hopefully be able to rebuild their lives. The tragedy in Kampung Tabuan Cemerlang is a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of community solidarity in times of crisis.
Conclusion
The fire that destroyed six rental houses in Kampung Tabuan Cemerlang has left an indelible mark on the local community. While no lives were lost, the material losses are significant, and the affected families will need all the support they can get to recover from this tragedy. As investigations continue, the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department urges everyone to stay alert and prioritize fire safety, especially during the dry season.