KUCHING: A raging pre-dawn fire ripped through a row of wooden houses at Lorong Belakang Tabuan Hilir here today, leaving over 40 people homeless after six homes were destroyed.
The blaze, which occurred at around 3:40 am, completely gutted six non-permanent houses and caused 30 per cent damages to another. Three motorcycles were also destroyed in the fire.
Despite the extensive damage, the occupants from six families escaped unharmed, and no injuries or casualties were reported.
The fire displaced a total of 44 residents, comprising 20 adult men, 15 adult women and nine children.
Firefighters from Tabuan Jaya, Padungan and Batu Lintang stations were dispatched to the scene to mount a firefighting operation to contain the flames and prevent the fire from spreading to nearby properties.
The affected houses, each measuring about 20 by 30 square feet, were tackled using both offensive and defensive firefighting techniques, with water supplied from fire engines and a water tanker.
The flames were brought under control at 4:44 am, with overhaul works followed suit to ensure there is no risk of reignition.
Once the situation was deemed safe, the team ended the operation at 7:08 am.
The cause of the fire and losses incurred have yet to be determined and remain under investigation.
The aftermath of the fire that destroyed six homes, leaving 44 homeless.
