TATAU: Twenty tenants, including five children, were made homeless after a late-night fire destroyed a plantation workers’ hostel at Semanok Plantation yesterday (Jan 15).
Fortunately, no injuries or casualties were reported in the 11.46 pm incident as the tenants managed to evacuate to safety in the nick of time.
The Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) said firefighters from Tatau station were dispatched to the scene, about 33km away, following a distress call.
Upon arrival, they found the 10-door wooden hostel beyond saving and performed the extinguishing deed using water sourced from their fire truck.
The flames were brought under control at 12.46 am and overhaul works were conducted to ensure no risk of reignition.
Once the situation was deemed safe, the team ended the operation at 1.55 am.
The cause of the fire and losses incurred are under investigation.
