SIBU: Water shortage problems did not hinder the Fire and Rescue Department’s attempt to extinguish a fire that broke out at a timber factory this morning.
According to Fire and Rescue Department Zone 4 chief Andy Alie, they received a distress call at 2.57 am regarding a fire at Jalan New Maling, Sungai Bidut here.
“Upon our arrival, we found that the fire only involved a machine in the factory.
“The fire did not affect the structure of the building but damaged about 80 per cent of the machine,” he said in a statement.
Two fire trucks and 17 firemen from the Sungai Merah and Sibu stations were roped in to douse the flames.
“The firefighting operation encountered some challenges due to the refinery area lacking fire hydrants and a nearby water source from a river which was too far.
“The operations commander requested assistance from the Sibu Fire and Rescue Department for water support,” he said.
Andy said the fire was brought under control in 30 minutes.
“Fortunately, no injuries were reported,” he added.
The firefighting operations ended at 5 am.
