KAPIT: Two families at Sungai Pelajau at Jalan Bukit Goram here comprising 12 people were made homeless by an afternoon fire.
The Fire and Rescue Department Kapit (BOMBA) received the distress call at 4 pm last Monday.
Ten firefighters led by Abu Osman then rushed to the scene in two vehicles to put out the fire and prevent it from spreading to nearby houses.
However, low water pressure hampered the firefighters’ effort to put out the fire which quickly engulfed the whole house.
Two double-storey wooden houses were destroyed in the fire.
The fire was said to have started from a car parked at one of the houses which exploded and burst into flames due to a short circuit. The fire then spread quickly. The intense heat from the fire caused a van to be partially damaged.
Fortunately no one was hurt in the fire. The fire victims comprise six adults (four women and two men) and six children (four school-going and two attending kindergarten).
The house owners were identified as 66-year-old Siban Bujang and his sister, Bawang.
They built their houses close to each other and in fact less than a metre from each another.
Siban family hailed from Sungai Goh, Batang Rajang while Bawang is from Rumah Jugah, Sungai Sut, Baleh River.
Assistant Director of Welfare Department Office here, Peter Gabong and his officers rushed to the scene to render immediate assistance as soon as they heard of the tragedy.
The Malaysian Red Crescent Kapit Chapter led by its chairman, Dr SiaTih Kong yesterday handed over cash and clothing to the fire victims. Each family received RM300 and some clothing.
Also rendering immediate assistance were the Lions Club of Kapit and Kiong Seng General Store which delivered food items for the fire victims.
The food items comprise rice, biscuits, noodles and cordial drink.
It was the third house fire case here and Bukit Mabong District reported so far this year.
On 17 January, Rumah Tani, Tunoh at Bukit Mabong District was destroyed by fire which was followed by Rumah Messop, Kapit early this month.
