KUCHING – A warehouse owned by Vichome Development Sdn. Bhd. at the Bintawa Industrial Estate was destroyed in a fire early this morning, but no casualties were reported thanks to the swift action of the Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) Sarawak.
According to the Sarawak Operations Centre, an emergency call was received at 5.40am. Within minutes, the first fire engine from the Tabuan Jaya Fire and Rescue Station (BBP) reached the site at 5.47am. Firefighters managed to bring the situation under control at 6.20am.
Operations Commander PBK II Tahir Tuah said the fire involved a non-permanent warehouse measuring 150 by 120 square feet. By the time the fire brigade arrived, the structure was already 100 percent engulfed in flames.
The operation was supported by teams from BBP Padungan and BBP Batu Lintang. The Padungan team deployed two hose lines connected to fire hydrants, while the Tabuan Jaya team used two 200-foot lines and four nozzles. Due to the collapsing zinc structure, firefighters had to apply a defensive strategy to avoid endangering personnel.
By 7.50am, the fire was successfully controlled with the help of an Aerial Ladder Platform (ALP), which allowed water to be sprayed from above. A total of 20 personnel from the three stations were involved, supported by two FRT vehicles, one EMRS, one tanker and one ALP.
Several senior JBPM Sarawak officers were also on-site, including Deputy State Director PPjB Tiong Ling Hii, Head of BBP Tabuan Jaya TPgB II Ts. Mohamad Meramit, PKPgB Zone Operations Officer Azaharul Sahari and KC PGO PgB Hadwart John Rarandis.
Other agencies also extended their cooperation, including the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) and Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng, who was present at the scene.
The cause of the fire and the extent of losses are still under investigation.