Massive blaze razes 200 homes in Sabah water village
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The fire broke out at about 1.32am in a water village in Sandakan and spread through densely packed wooden houses built on stilts.
PHOTO: SABAH FIRE AND RESCUE DEPARTMENT
SANDAKAN – A fire in Sandakan’s Kampung Bahagia destroyed about 200 homes early on April 19, according to the Sabah Fire and Rescue Department.
The department said the fire broke out at about 1.32am in a water village in Sandakan and spread through densely packed wooden houses built on stilts.
Non-permanent structures, each measuring about 300 sq ft, were completely destroyed.
Firefighters from the Sandakan and Kinabatangan stations, including 35 personnel, reached the scene at about 1.48am.
Narrow access routes prevented fire engines from reaching the site directly.
The department added that low tide reduced access to open water sources, while strong winds and the close spacing of the houses helped the fire spread.
Firefighters used water from tankers and a pressurised hydrant at a nearby factory.
In a statement on April 19, the department said firefighting operations were still under way, and the fire was not yet under control.
No casualties had been reported at the time of writing.
The department added that Zone Sandakan fire commander Jasri Ab Jal led the operation with help from Sabah Electricity, the Civil Defence Force and the police. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
