KUCHING, Jan 21 — A fire involving a shop building along Jalan Kwong Lee Bank caused concern among the public here on Tuesday night after flames from two burning vehicles spread to the nearby structure.
The incident occurred in the evening at one of Kuching’s busy commercial stretches, drawing the attention of road users and nearby residents. Thick smoke was seen rising from the area as the fire intensified, prompting an immediate response from the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department.
According to the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Operations Centre, an emergency call was received at 7.27 pm reporting a fire involving vehicles near a shop building. Fire engines from the Padungan Fire and Rescue Station were immediately dispatched to the scene, with assistance from the Tabuan Jaya Fire and Rescue Station as a supporting unit.
Firefighters arrived at the location at 7.34 pm, about three kilometres from the Padungan station, and found that two vehicles were already engulfed in flames. The fire had spread rapidly and affected the structure of the shop building, increasing the risk of further damage if not contained quickly.
Operations Commander PBK I Philip Anak Dugat said the fire brigade acted swiftly upon arrival. Firefighters immediately carried out extinguishing work using two Salur Bantu Mula water streams to control the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby buildings.
A total of 17 firefighters were involved in the operation, supported by two Fire Rescue Tender vehicles and one Emergency Medical Rescue Services unit. The coordinated effort focused on bringing the fire under control while ensuring the safety of surrounding areas and members of the public.
As of the latest update, no injuries or casualties have been reported. Firefighters remained at the scene to carry out overhaul work and ensure that the fire was fully extinguished and the area made safe.
Authorities have confirmed that the cause of the fire and the estimated losses are still under investigation. Members of the public were advised to stay away from the area to allow fire crews to complete their duties without obstruction.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of quick emergency response and fire safety awareness, especially in commercial areas where fires can spread rapidly and cause significant damage if not controlled early.
