A MAJOR fire swept through the stilt village of Kampung Sri Aman on Lorong Jade 4, Jalan Apas, Sabah, late yesterday, completely destroying 30 wooden homes.
Emergency services were alerted at 11.23 pm, and the first firefighting units arrived at the scene within nine minutes, according to the Sabah Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM).
Operation Commander PBK I Suheizan Sahak said the fire consumed all the affected structures, which were constructed primarily of wood and plywood.
“The firefighting operation was carried out in stages using our First, Second, and Third Suppression Methods, utilising multiple water jets and open water sources from the sea,” he explained.
To maintain adequate water supply throughout the operation, firefighters employed water relay systems using Fire Rescue Tender pumps and Water Tankers.
Their rapid response successfully prevented the flames from spreading to the surrounding community, protecting approximately 300 nearby homes near Tawau.
The fire was brought fully under control by 12.44 am, and the operation concluded at 3.10 am following safety checks to ensure there were no lingering hazards.
A total of 24 personnel from the Tawau and Kunak fire stations, as well as the Kampung Titingan Community Fire Unit, were involved in the operation, supported by the Royal Malaysia Police, the Malaysian Civil Defence Force, Sabah Electricity, and the Water Department.
According to Tawau Fire and Rescue Station Chief Jemishin Ujin, the blaze is believed to have originated from a single house around 11.20 pm before rapidly spreading due to the tightly packed wooden structures.
“The fire involved 30 homes, covering an estimated total area of 0.55 hectares. The swift action of our firefighters prevented the fire from engulfing around 300 neighbouring houses,” he said.
Jemishin noted that the firefighting effort also received assistance from six personnel from the Kunak Fire Station, the Kampung Titingan Community Fire Unit, and local residents.
He confirmed that no injuries or fatalities were reported. The cause of the fire and the total extent of the losses are still under investigation.
“The operation was fully concluded at 3.10 am after we ensured the area was safe. Investigations into the cause of the fire and the overall damage are ongoing,” Jemishin added, underscoring the effective coordination between multiple agencies in averting a larger disaster. - December 14, 2025
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