The smouldering ruins of the houses.
A woman who fainted being taken to the hospital.
TAWAU: Two men suffered injuries when fire destroyed 80 wooden houses at Kg Kurnia Jaya here yesterday morning.
One of the victims, Jamil Aiqil, 60, was injured in a fall while another, Abdul Razak, 40, was in a state of shock due to shortness of breath. Both were taken to the Tawau hospital.
District Fire and Rescue Department Chief Rudy Fredzex said the department received a distress call at 9:05 am and sent out 30 firemen in three fire engines as well as three supporting vehicles to the scene. The fire destroyed about 10 wooden houses when the firemen arrived at 9:11 am.
Rudy said the firemen managed to get the fire under control at 10:57 am and ended rescue operations at 1:17 pm. The firemen were also assisted by 12 civil defence personnel, 15 police personnel, three medical officers and the district maritime department.
He said there were no casualties reported, while the cause of fire and the estimated losses were still under investigation.
Rudy also advised the public to be careful especially during school holidays because fires can happen any time and at any place. They should ensure that kitchen utensils and appliances are safely shut before leaving their houses.