Arya News - Tawau Fire Station chief Jemishin Ujin said the fire had hit dozens of stalls mainly selling used items such as clothes, and was spreading quickly due to the close proximity of every structure.
KOTA KINABALU – A massive fire which swept through blocks and rows of stalls in Kg Titingan, Tawau, destroyed some 70 structures early Thursday (Aug 27).
Fortunately, about 350 others including residential units were spared from the blaze following firemen’s defensive extinguishing method.
Tawau Fire Station chief Jemishin Ujin said after getting the distress call at 4.44am, rescue units were dispatched to the scene at the Esbok Rombengan market area.
He said the fire had hit dozens of stalls mainly selling used items such as clothes, and was spreading quickly due to the close proximity of every structure.
“To minimise the area of destruction, our men focused on identifying the cut off zones or areas where they can prevent the fire from spreading further, thus containing the blaze,” he said when contacted.
The method resulted in some 350 shoplots and houses being safe from the fire, he said, adding that the burnt down structures were mainly stalls built with wood, zinc and other non-concrete materials.
Jemishin said firemen managed to bring the flames under control at around 5.23am and completely doused by 7.42am, with no casualties reported.
He said those involved in the operation included 16 firemen from the Tawau Fire Station, 10 community firemen, policemen and civil defence personnel.
He said the cause of fire and losses incurred were still under investigation.