Tawau fire destroys 16 houses and threatens 300 others

A major fire destroyed 16 temporary houses in Lorong Fook Hwa, Batu 2, Jalan Apas, Tawau, on Friday night. The blaze covered an estimated area of 52 by 95 meters, resulting in the total destruction of the affected structures.

Firefighters arrived at the scene approximately three minutes after receiving an emergency call at 9:31 PM. Through a coordinated effort involving 45 personnel from the Tawau Fire and Rescue Department, Kunak Fire and Rescue Department, and the Titingan Community Fire Brigade, crews managed to prevent the flames from spreading to approximately 300 nearby houses.

Emergency responders utilized three 400-foot hose lines with five water jets, drawing from fire engine tanks, nearby hydrants, and open water sources such as ditches. The fire was brought under control by 11:55 PM, and no casualties were reported. The operation, which included assistance from the Royal Malaysia Police, the Malaysian Civil Defence Force, the Water Department, and Sabah Electricity, concluded after safety inspections were completed in the early hours of Saturday.