SANDAKAN: A child and a senior citizen suffered burns in a fire that ripped through a water settlement in Kampung Batu Putih Jambatan 3, near Mile 7, destroying 21 homes and a store, Wednesday morning
Sandakan Zone Fire and Rescue Department Chief Jasri Ab Jal said the department received a distress call on the fire at 10.40am and upon arrival, found two victims suffered burns to their hands.
“The fire brigade arrived at the location at 10.58am and saw the fire spreading quickly as the houses on three acres were built close to each other. When the report was initially received, we were informed that only seven houses were on fire.
“Personnel on duty during the extinguishing operation, using open water sources and fire engines, managed to control the fire at 11.41am and thus save about 52 other houses in the area,” he said at the site.
Police confirmed that the two victims were treated immediately on-site in an ambulance.
“Both suffered minor burns,” said Sandakan District Police Head of Internal Security and Public Order Division, Deputy Supt Sham Osman.
He added that those affected by the fire would be housed in a temporary relief centre at Dewan Serbaguna Batu Putih, the nearest available hall.
The operation also involved police, the Civil Defence Force (APM), Rela, Sabah Electricity SB) and other agencies.
