PETRA JAYA: A rented room located above a 7-Eleven outlet in Bandar Baru Semariang was partially destroyed after a fire broke out late last night.
According to a spokesperson from the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), the Petra Jaya Fire and Rescue Station (BBP) received an emergency call at 8.51pm reporting the incident.
A team led by PBK I Pandi Seh was immediately dispatched to the location. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered that the blaze had affected a 10×10 square foot rental room situated on the upper floor of the convenience store.
“The fire damaged around 30 percent of the room, including the tenant’s furniture and personal items,” the spokesperson said in a statement.
Fortunately, no casualties or injuries were reported in the incident. It was also revealed that the fire had already been successfully put out by members of the public using tap water before the arrival of the fire department.
“As there were no visible flames and the situation was under control, no firefighting operations were required. After confirming the area was safe and that there was no risk of the fire reigniting, the team returned to the station,” the statement added.
The cause of the fire and estimated losses are still under investigation.
Residents nearby commended the quick action of the public in controlling the fire before it could spread to neighbouring premises, which could have led to more severe damage or danger.
This incident serves as a reminder for tenants and business owners to practice fire safety measures, especially in mixed-use buildings where commercial and residential spaces are located close together.
