SEMPORNA: Two major fire incidents struck different parts of the state within 24 hours, destroying dozens of homes, businesses, and vehicles in Semporna and Telupid. No fatalities were reported, although three residents were injured in the Telupid fire.
The first incident occurred in Kampung Air, Semporna at 3.43 pm. According to Operations Commander PBK II Musliady Hj. Masiraji, the blaze, which engulfed an area of 131 x 196 feet, completely destroyed nine structures, including five non-permanent houses, a grocery store, a food stall, a bundle shop, and a non-operational kindergarten. One additional house was 10% damaged.
A total of 24 firefighters from Semporna and Kunak fire stations were deployed. Arriving at the scene within six minutes, they brought the fire under control by 4.51 pm. Their swift action saved 50 neighbouring houses from the flames. No injuries were reported. Other agencies assisting included the police, Civil Defence Force, and the district office.
In a separate predawn incident, a fire razed three houses and a kitchen in Kampung Entilibon, along the Telupid-Tongod road. The emergency call was received at 2.09 am.
Operations Commander PBK I Jasmani bin Osni from the Kinabatangan fire station reported that the fire, located 121 km from the station, completely destroyed three non-permanent houses and a kitchen. A permanent mosque sustained 10% heat damage.
The fire also engulfed five vehicles and three motorcycles, including a Proton Saga, a Mitsubishi Pajero (50% burnt), a Perodua Myvi (40% burnt), and three motorcycles (70-100% burnt).
Three individuals were injured while escaping the blaze: Hujan Simbul (53, neck injury), Juliah Amd@ahmad (53, hip injury), and Syahnizan Hujan (20, facial and foot burns). They were taken to Entilibon Clinic by villagers for treatment.
Six firefighters from the Kinabatangan station, assisted by other agencies, battled the blaze using a 200-foot hose line drawing water from an open source and gravity feed. The fire was contained by 6.34 am, and operations concluded at 7.13 am. – James Leong
Firemen battling the blaze at Kampung Air, Semporna on Friday.
