BINTULU (Jan 3): A devastating fire broke out in the early hours of today at a shop in Kampung Penan Muslim, Mile 10, Jalan Bintulu-Miri, leaving the structure completely destroyed. Fortunately, the 21-year-old shop owner escaped unharmed.
The Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) Operations Centre dispatched a team from the Bintulu fire station immediately after receiving an emergency call at 4.17am.
“Upon arriving at the location, the firefighters found that a single-storey semi-permanent structure was completely destroyed by the fire,” said Bomba in a statement.
The brave firefighters used a 100-foot hose connected to the fire engine to battle the raging flames. After intense efforts, the fire was brought under control by 5.02am. Following this, the team conducted a thorough overhaul operation to ensure the blaze was completely extinguished and to prevent any chance of recurrence.
While the cause of the fire and the estimated losses are still under investigation, the quick response from Bomba ensured the fire did not spread to nearby properties, safeguarding the community.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of fire safety measures, particularly during the dry season when such incidents can escalate rapidly. Residents are urged to take precautionary steps, such as regularly checking electrical systems and avoiding the use of faulty appliances, to prevent similar tragedies.
Kampung Penan Muslim’s tight-knit community expressed relief that no lives were lost, but the incident underscores the critical need for fire safety awareness in residential and commercial areas.