TAWAU: Firefighters responded to two separate fires in Tawau and Lahad Datu within 12 hours, with both incidents completely destroying residential properties but resulting in no casualties.
The first incident occurred on Saturday night in Kampung Rancangan Batu 22 Balung, where firefighters received an emergency call at 8.05 pm.
A team of 19 personnel from the Tawau Fire and Rescue Station, led by PBK II Zougarana Konin, arrived at the scene at 8.48 pm after traveling 32 kilometres to reach the remote location.
The blaze had completely destroyed a wooden house and a car parked nearby. Firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control within two minutes of arrival at 8.50 pm.
The operation concluded at 9.34 pm after firemen ensured there was no further dangers at the scene.
Meanwhile, another fire broke out in Kg Sapagaya with the Lahad Datu station alerted at 6.32 am on Sunday. A response team of 16 personnel arrived at the scene within 11 minutes, covering a distance of 8 kilometres.
The team, led by PBK I Mohammad Suait Mohammad and Station Chief Sumsoa Rashid, found a house fully engulfed in flames. The fire was brought under control at 7.10 am using water from the fire truck and nearby river.
The operation with support from four policemen and two Sabah Electricity personnel, concluded at 8.35 am.
Investigation into the causes of both fires is ongoing, with authorities reminding residents to ensure proper electrical installations and fire safety measures in their homes. – James Leong
