16 homeless after inferno destroys wooden houses

KUCHING: Sixteen residents were left homeless after two wooden houses in Kampung Bako were destroyed in a wee hour blaze today.

Fortunately, no injuries or casualties were reported in the 1.58 am incident as the residents managed to evacuate to safety.

A spokesman for the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) said firefighters from Tabuan Jaya station were dispatched to the scene after receiving an emergency call.

In addition, Kampung Bako auxiliary firefighters were also deployed to assist in the operation.

Upon arrival, they found the blaze had destroyed the houses and four motorcycles.

The extinguishing deed was conducted using water sourced from a nearby fire hydrant, followed by overhaul works to ensure that there was no risk of reignition before the team ended the operation at 4.20 am.

The first house was inhabited by 14 residents, the second was occupied by an elderly couple and the third was unoccupied

The cause of the fire and losses incurred are still under investigation.

The fire at its peak.