11 left homeless in evening blaze

BETONG: A family of 11 were left with nothing but the clothes on their backs after their wooden house in Kampung Hulu Serembang, Spaoh here, was razed to the ground yesterday (Jan 20).

No injuries or casualties were reported in the 5.53pm incident as the family managed to evacuate to safety.

A spokesman for the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) said that firemen from Betong station were promptly dispatched to the scene to put out the fire.

Upon arrival, they found that the house was beyond saving and the extinguishing deed was performed using water sourced from a ditch.

The fire at its peak.

The flames were brought under control at 7.18pm and overhaul works followed suit.

Once the situation was deemed safe and there was no risk of reignition, the team concluded the operation at 7.49pm.

It was reported that the fire was caused by a short circuit in a bedroom and it had spread to all corners of the residence.

However, the exact cause of the fire and losses incurred is still under investigation.

Earlier this morning (Jan 21), Deputy Women, Childhood and Community Development Minister cum Saribas assemblyman Datuk Mohamad Razi Sitam visited the scene of the fire and handed over essential supplies to the affected family.

Razi hands over the essential supplies to the affected family this morning.