MIRI: A pre-dawn blaze tore through a three-storey commercial block along Jalan Bendahara in Miri today, leaving the property badly damaged but sparing lives.
The fire, which broke out at the Wong’s Motor building around 4.30 am, was brought under control after a swift two-hour operation by firefighters from Miri Sentral Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba).
According to Bomba, the emergency call came in at 4.37 am from a member of the public, triggering an immediate dispatch of fire engines and crews to the scene, located just three kilometres away.
The first team arrived within minutes, finding the building engulfed in flames.
Upon their arrival, the fire spreading rapidly through the unit. The teams launched both offensive and defensive operations, deploying two nozzles, hose reels and water supply from a nearby hydrant.
Firefighters were forced to cut through shuttered doors to gain entry as all main access points were locked.
Overhaul work was carried out after the blaze was doused to ensure no embers reignited.
The operation was declared under control at 6.13 am and officially concluded at 7.31 am. No casualties or injuries were reported.
The Lopeng fire station provided additional manpower, while police officers and contractors from Sesco were also on site.
Senior fire officer Awangku Mohd Hazmin was present to oversee the scene.
The cause of the fire and estimated losses are under investigation.
