LANGKAWI – Some 100 firefighters are still battling the blaze at the Andaman Resort here that started yesterday.
The fire broke out around 5pm yesterday, and was nearly extinguished after several hours. However, about 1am today, it grew larger.
A spokesman for the island’s Fire and Rescue Department told The Vibes that the blaze has largely been contained.
It is still burning in isolated areas of the resort, mainly due to strong winds and flammable materials, such as timber and dry leaves, nearby.
Kedah Fire and Rescue Department assistant director Mohamadul Ehsan Mohd Zain told the media that his team received a call on the blaze shortly after it broke out yesterday, and again at 1.13am today.
“As soon as we arrived at the location early this morning, the fire was already burning the building next to the main block.
“The building, measuring 300 ft x 900 ft (91m x 274m), had almost been burnt completely.”
He said firefighting operations are under way, with personnel facing water supply and access issues.
The 186-suite resort, which is more than 30 years old, is regarded as one of the most reputable hospitality properties in Malaysia, having hosted VIPs including actress Datuk Seri Michelle Yeoh and the late Zimbabwean prime minister Robert Mugabe.
Property owner Landmarks Bhd appointed Sheraton Overseas Management Corp, an affiliate of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc (Starwood Hotels & Resorts), as the resort’s operator in 2010.
It is unclear if it continues to manage the property.
The Malaysian Association of Hotels’ Kedah chapter chairman, Eugene Dass, said he is awaiting a report from his associates.
He expressed concern that the blaze continues to burn despite the efforts of firefighters and the resort’s safety unit.
Volunteers from Pantai Cenang and Pantai Tengah have also arrived to lend a hand.
Efforts to extinguish the blaze are hampered due to the resort’s location on hilly terrain, as well as a lack of fire hydrants.
It is learnt that seawater is being used to douse the fire.
The resort owner could not be reached for comment, but it is learnt that staff and guests were safely evacuated when the fire alarm went off yesterday evening. – The Vibes, January 13, 2021
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