BINTULU: A fast-moving fire ripped through a block of workers’ housing in the Kidurong industrial area yesterday (Nov 8) morning, destroying nine living units and forcing occupants to flee with their bare personal belongings.
No casualties were reported, but the blaze left several families displaced.
The incident occurred at around 9.17 am, behind Kolej Vokasional Bintulu. The housing block, built from stacked two-storey container units and divided into 28 rooms, ignited quickly.
By the time firefighters from BBP Kidurong arrived at 9.31am, the structure was already engulfed in flames.
Residents, including eight men, five women and a young boy, escaped as thick black smoke emitted from the upper level. Neighbours reported crackling metal sound and saw flames shoot several metres high.
A firemen team led by Mohd Raziz Zulkepeh mounted the response, deploying hose lines from the nearest hydrant while additional crews and an engine from BBP Bintulu reinforced the operation.
Firefighters battled the blaze for nearly two hours to prevent it from spreading to adjoining industrial lots.
The fire was brought under control at 11am and fully extinguished by 11.14 am.
Initial inspections suggested that the container-structure construction and closely partitioned layout resulted in the fire spreading rapidly through the block. However, the main cause is still under investigation.
Authorities are now assessing damage and coordinating temporary shelter arrangements for affected occupants.
