By JAMES LEONG
TAWAU: Thirty houses were destroyed in a major fire at Kampung Sentosa, Jalan Utara Baru Hilltop here early Wednesday.
The tragedy also claimed the life of a 12-year-old boy with autism, who was found dead in the bedroom of his home.
The victim was discovered by firefighters at about 10am. He was pronounced dead by medical personnel from the Ministry of Health (MOH), and his body was subsequently handed over to the police for further action.
The State Fire and Rescue Department said its operations centre received an emergency call through NG999 at 6.44am and immediately alerted the Tawau Fire and Rescue Station.
A team of 42 firefighters, led by Operations Commander PBK I Jehrey Ibno, arrived at the scene at 6.47am, just three kilometres from the station.
Senior Operations Commander TPgB II Jemishin Ujin also oversaw the operation, which involved personnel from the Tawau Fire and Rescue Station and several supporting agencies.
Initial reports indicated that six semi-concrete and wooden houses were already engulfed in flames, with the fire spreading rapidly. Firefighting operations commenced at 6.48am.
By 8am, the fire had destroyed 30 houses, while another 250 houses were successfully saved. A Perodua Kancil was also completely destroyed. The affected area was estimated to cover 557 feet by 196 feet.
Firefighting efforts involved water tanker operations and support from the Kampung Titingan Community Fire Brigade, which helped supply water for the operation.
A total of 42 firefighters from the Tawau station were involved, alongside personnel from the police, Civil Defence Force, RELA, Malaysian Armed Forces, MOH, Sabah Water Department, Sabah Electricity and the Kampung Titingan Community Fire Brigade.
After the fire was brought under control at 8am, firefighters continued with overhaul operations to ensure no remaining hotspots could reignite the blaze.
The operation was officially concluded at 10.55am after the team confirmed that the area was safe.
The cause of the fire and the total estimated losses have yet to be determined.
An aerial view of the fire at Kampung Sentosa, Tawau on Wednesday.
