SIBU: A massive fire broke out at an old timber storage store along Jalan Oya Lama late yesterday evening, reducing the structure to ashes. Fortunately, no casualties were reported in the incident.
According to the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) Sibu Zone chief, Andy Alie, they received an emergency call at 6.53 pm. A team of firefighters from the Sibu Sentral Fire and Rescue Station (BBP) and Sungai Merah Fire Station was immediately dispatched to the scene to battle the blaze.
“Upon arrival, we found that the fire had engulfed an old, unused timber storage store. The entire structure, which was non-permanent, was completely destroyed by the flames,” he said in a statement today.
Firefighters faced significant challenges in containing the blaze due to the narrow access route, which made it difficult for fire engines and heavy machinery to reach the site. Additionally, the collapse of the roof further complicated efforts to extinguish the fire effectively.
Despite these obstacles, the fire and rescue team worked diligently to bring the situation under control. Their operation, which involved dousing the flames and ensuring that no further spread occurred, was successfully completed by 9.15 pm.
Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the fire, and investigations are ongoing. While the loss of property is substantial, the absence of injuries or fatalities brings some relief to the community.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of fire safety and preparedness, particularly in areas with old or abandoned wooden structures that are highly flammable.
