Three houses destroyed in a fire in Jepak Ulu

BINTULU, Oct 9: Three houses were completely destroyed in a fire in Jepak Ulu Village here last night, while another house suffered about 10 percent damage.

The Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) Sarawak's Operations Movement Centre (PGO) said it received an emergency call about the incident at 8.09 pm.

A team from Bintulu Fire and Rescue Department (BBP) arrived on the scene at 8:18 p.m., about nine minutes after the call was received.

"The fire involved three semi-permanent structured houses. To assist the blackout operation, members of BBP Kidurong were also deployed to the site as a relief team, in addition to a water tank machine to ensure adequate water supply throughout the operation.

"Pump teams are conducting the extinguishing work using several pipeline streams with a supply source from nearby water tank engines and pump choices", the statement said.

Rapid action by the firefighters managed to control the fire from spreading into nearby structures, thus saving 18 other homes at risk of damage.

The operation was also aided by 15 members of the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), six members of the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) and 15 volunteer bombers.

The fire was brought under control at 9:00 p.m. before the extinguishing operation and further inspection continued until 1:04 a.m.

Meanwhile, the estimated damage and cause of the fire are still under investigation.