BINTULU: Eight squatter houses were destroyed in a fire near the Kidurong landfill here yesterday (Aug 18), leaving 38 people from seven families displaced.
No injuries or casualties were reported in the 2 pm incident, as most of the occupants were at work at the landfill site.
The victims comprised 25 adults and 13 children.
Seven families were present and cooperated with the authorities, while one family was confirmed to be away during the fire.
The Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) said it received a distress call at 2.06 pm and dispatched firefighters from the Kidurong and Bintulu stations to the scene.
Upon arrival, they confirmed that the blaze involved eight non-permanent squatter houses, all of which were completely destroyed.
Firefighters brought the fire under control at 3 pm using water from a fire engine and a tanker, before conducting overhaul works to prevent reignition.
The operation was called off at 4.25 pm once the situation was deemed safe.
Also involved in the operation were the police, Civil Defence Force (APM), Bintulu Development Authority (BDA), Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB), and Trienekens Sdn Bhd.
