LAHAD DATU: The Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) demonstrated its operational efficiency by successfully containing two house fires that occurred almost simultaneously in the districts of Lahad Datu and Kunak on Tuesday.
According to information from the State Fire and Rescue Department Operations Control Centre, the first incident at Kampung Air, Jalan Segama, Lahad Datu, was reported at 7.03 pm via MERS999.
The Lahad Datu Fire and Rescue Station (BBP) team arrived at the location within 18 minutes and found a semi-permanent house completely destroyed.
Operation Commander, PBK I Mohd Suait Mohammad, said: “Our team acted swiftly, employing both ‘Offensive’ and ‘Defensive’ attack methods using four water jets.
“We utilized water sources from our fire engine and a nearby stream. The fire was successfully brought under control within 17 minutes,” he added.
Almost simultaneously, another fire was reported at Pantai Serina, Kunak, at 6.47 pm via a direct call to the fire station.
The Kunak BBP team arrived at the scene within 10 minutes and discovered a non-permanent house fully destroyed, along with a car and two motorcycles.
Operation Commander, PBK I Kamalrulzaman Roslie, explained: “This fire was successfully brought under control within 13 minutes using water sourced from the fire engine’s tank.”
The Kunak incident also saw cooperation from three members of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and three members of the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM).
Based on the official report, the Lahad Datu fire involved 17 personnel and five vehicles, with a total operational time of one hour and 39 minutes. The Kunak incident involved 15 personnel and four vehicles, with an operational time of 2 hours and 24 minutes.
The fire department confirmed no casualties in both incidents. Operations were terminated after confirming that the sites were no longer hazardous. – James Leong
