CNY fires destroy 10 houses in two villages in Sabah

KOTA KINABALU (Feb 19): Separate fires in Kampung Pangkalan Bukit Garam, Kinabatangan and Kampung Tanjung Aru Baru here over the two-day Chinese New Year period saw the destruction of 10 houses.

Kinabatangan fire station chief Hairi Otuh said the fire at Kampung Pangkalan Bukit Garam on Feb 17 was reported at 10pm, and saw 17 personnel rushed to the village located about 10km from the station.

“The fire destroyed six houses and a pickup truck. Firefighters managed to control the blaze by 11.30pm and concluded the operation at 1.40am the next day,” he said in a statement.

He said the swift response by firefighters prevented the flames from spreading to 10 other houses, all of which were built close together.

Those who lost their homes are currently sheltering at a nearby community hall.

“The cause of the fire is under investigation, while losses have yet to be ascertained,” said Hairi.

Meanwhile, the fire at Kampung Tanjung Aru Baru saw four wooden houses razed to the ground on Feb 18.

Kota Kinabalu fire station chief Ordine Gilu said following an emergency call at 2.54pm, a total of 24 firefighters from the Kota Kinabalu and Putatan stations were deployed to the location.

“Firefighters managed to control the situation by 3.25pm before wrapping up the operation about 90 minutes later,” he said.

He added no injuries were reported among the affected residents.

Ordine said investigations are underway to determine the cause of the fire.