A Bomba photo shows the massive flames from a distance.
KUCHING: Swift and decisive action by Kuching International Airport (KIA) firefighters averted damage to the MASkargo building after a burning generator set fire to four fuel-filled drums.
The brief inferno took place around 11.45pm on Friday when the generator placed outside the store of the main building burst out in flames, the fire spreading to four nearby drums containing fuel.
A spokesperson for the State Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) said yesterday the resulting inferno destroyed an Airbus passenger staircase, but did not affect the MASkargo building as claimed in several social media postings.
“Bomba received a call at 11.49pm, which resulted in firefighters and a hazardous materials (Hazmat) team being despatched to the scene.
“The team arrived at the airport at 12.01am to find the blaze being extinguished, by KIA firemen,” said the spokesperson. The last of the flames was fully put out at 1am.
No injuries were reported.
It was disclosed that the generator was used for welding works during the day, and was switched off at the time of the fire.