KUCHING: A single-storey terraced house was destroyed and five others were damaged in a fire at Lorong Sim Kheng Hong 2, Kenyalang Park last night (Jan 13).
Fortunately, no injuries or casualties were reported in the 9.58 pm incident as the 14 tenants managed to evacuate to safety.
The Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) said firefighters from Padungan, Batu Lintang and Tabuan Jaya stations were dispatched to the scene following an emergency call.
Upon arrival, the fire was found to have spread across six houses. The team conducted the extinguishing and ventilation works to contain the blaze.
It was reported that the flames had spread rapidly due to the absence of firebreak walls, which led to the team creating a firebreak at the fifth house to prevent further damage
One house was completely destroyed, while the other five sustained varying levels of damage of 80, 70, 60, 30, and five per cent.
The first house was occupied by a couple and their baby; the second by two men; the third by one man; the fourth by two women; the fifth by two elderly men, two elderly women, and two women; and the sixth was unoccupied.
Once the situation was deemed safe and there is no risk of reignition, the team ended the operation at 12.13 am.
The cause of the fire and losses incurred are still under investigation.
Civil Defence Force (APM) Kuching district officer Lt Mohd Zaidi Mohd Ali said three families, affected by the fire, are now temporarily sheltering at KCPA Community Hall, Kenyalang Park, while the others are staying with relatives.
