SARIKEI, 1 June 2025 – A fire broke out at a two-storey wooden house in Block 34, Sungai Baji, Kampung Seberang Sarikei yesterday evening, damaging 60 per cent of its upper floor.
According to Sarikei Fire and Rescue Station (BBP) Chief, Arrahman Chik, three residents of the house managed to escape safely without any injuries.
“We received the emergency call at 6.01pm, and immediately dispatched a team to the scene. Upon arrival, we saw that the upper floor was already engulfed in flames,” he said when contacted.
The fire brigade quickly employed both defensive and offensive strategies to prevent the blaze from spreading further.
“Although the fire was aggressive, our team managed to control it and successfully saved the lower floor of the house,” he added.
However, firefighting efforts faced challenges due to the absence of nearby fire hydrants.
“We had to rely completely on open water sources. Firefighters laid out a 100-foot hose line with two nozzles and a 300-foot stream with two water fountains, sourcing water from a ditch nearby,” Arrahman explained.
The operation, which involved several firefighters working under pressure, ended successfully at 8.05pm after ensuring no embers remained.
Authorities are now investigating the cause of the fire. Thankfully, no casualties or injuries were reported, and the swift action of the Sarikei fire department prevented greater destruction.
The public is reminded to always check electrical wiring and avoid using faulty appliances to reduce the risk of household fires.
