SEMPORNA: A fire broke out at a double storey commercial building along Jalan Seri Melor Tingalan here Sunday evening.
The incident, reported at 5.53 pm, destroyed nearly 90% of the MR.D.I.Y. store and 50% of a dental clinic located on the upper floor.
Personnel from the Semporna Fire and Rescue station (BBP) arrived at the scene within eight minutes. However, firefighting efforts were delayed due to low water pressure from nearby fire hydrants.
A water tanker from the Sabah Water Department arrived around 8.30pm to provide additional supply. Firefighters had to use multiple water sources, including open drains and their own equipment, to control the blaze.
Operation Commander PBK I Mohd Shukri Mohd Hamsah confirmed that the fire was fully extinguished by 12.52 am, nearly seven hours after the operation began.
Fortunately, no injuries or deaths were reported. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
A total of 49 firefighters from Semporna Fire and Rescue station, Semporna Floating station, and Kunak station were involved in the operation. They were assisted by police, the Sabah Water Department, Sabah Electricity and the Civil Defence Force (APM).
In Sandakan, strong wind caused havoc at Kampung Sentosa on Aug 16. An uprooted mango tree damaged a house but fortunately none of the seven occupants were injured.
Sandakan Civil Defence Officer Kapten (PA) Sulaiman Salama, stated that upon receiving the report, a team of personnel was despatched to the location to carry out cleanup work.
The Civil Defence Force (APM) cut and removed several branches and twigs that had fallen on the victim’s house. For safety reasons, the full cleanup operation resumed the following day until the area was completely secure. – James Leong
