The aftermath of the fire at Kampung Bintawa Hilir.
KUCHING: Forty people are left homeless after a fire swept through six wooden houses at Kampung Bintawa Hilir here yesterday.
No injuries were reported during the incident, which began with one house initially catching fire at 11.15am.
The flames, however, rapidly spread and engulfed two adjacent homes while also partially damaging three other houses.
Personnel from the Petra Jaya Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) arrived at the scene at 11.26am following a distress call and were able to bring the situation under control at 11.36am.
An additional two fire engines with 16 fire fighters from the Tabuan Jaya and Padungan fire stations were also dispatched to the scene to assist.
State Bomba director Nor Hisham Mohammed said a total of 40 persons from six families were made homeless by the fire.
He said due to a delay in cutting off the electricity supply to the area, firemen had to take precautionary measures while dousing the flames apart from making sure the public remained a safe distance away.
The cause of the fire is being investigated, while total losses suffered by the families have yet to be ascertained.
Meanwhile, Assistant Minister of Rural Electricity Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi said immediate assistance will be channelled through the Village Development and Safety Community (JKKK).
He added that the affected families could either opt to stay with their relatives or put up at the community hall.
“We will also contact the relevant agencies to seek for assistance, especially from the State Welfare Department.
“Here in Pantai Damai constituency, we have a special committee namely ‘Squad Sayang Pantai Damai’ to gather assistance from the private sector or individuals to assist the affected families by providing basic necessities.
“Such assistance will continue to be channelled and to enable the families to continue with their life in the best possible way,” he said during a visit to the scene of the fire.