SEKOLAH Menengah Kebangsaan Lawas in Sarawak has been ordered to close after a huge fire destroyed two buildings housing the administrative office, classes and laboratories.
The secondary school that has about a thousand students was razed just after midnight after wildfires spread into the school compound.
The Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) said the station in Lawas received a distress call about midnight that bushfires were raging in the school compound.
"Firefighters rushed to the location but upon arrival, found that two blocks of the building had already been almost destroyed.
"Efforts were made to douse the flames but the water sources in the school and the surrounding area were limited.
"The fire was brought under control and firefighters only left about 4.35 am after making sure there was no more danger.
"There were no reported injuries," said the department.
Students who arrived at the school this morning were seen seated in an open space, some carrying umbrellas before they were told to return home.
The school was sealed off and students were told to return home until further notice from the school authorities. - October 22, 2024
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