BEAUFORT: A family of six and a single mother were left homeless after a fire destroyed two stilt houses in Kampung Laut Baru, Weston, on Wednesday night.
District Fire and Rescue Station Chief Mohammad Hasbullah Nenggok said they received an emergency call regarding the incident at 7.39pm.
The department dispatched 16 personnel along with Fire Rescue Tender (FRT) and Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) units.
They were assisted by seven volunteer firefighters from Kampung Lubok and six Sipitang firefighters, who also deployed their FRT and EMRS units.
“At the initial stage, the Sipitang team carried out two water jets to extinguish the flames, while the Beaufort team focused on preventing the fire from spreading to nearby homes,” he said.
“The firefighting operation used four water jets, drawing water from the sea and a nearby fire hydrant.”
Mohammad Hasbullah said the fire destroyed two wooden stilt houses — one measuring 100 by 60 feet, which was 90 per cent damaged, and another measuring 20 by 30 feet, which was destroyed.
“The proximity of houses in Weston, especially those built over water, allowed the fire to spread to a neighbouring home. However, firefighters managed to save four other nearby houses,” he said.
He added that swift action by firefighters prevented a larger disaster, referencing a fire over a decade ago that destroyed 37 homes in the area.
No casualties were reported, as all occupants managed to escape in time. The single mother, whose home was razed, was in Miri when the fire broke out.
The fire was fully extinguished by 9.55pm. The cause of the blaze and the estimated losses are still under investigation.
