SIBU: After a relentless eight-hour battle, firefighters successfully extinguished a raging blaze at a hardware store located on Jalan Mantis in Upper Lanang here yesterday (Sept 8).
According to Fire and Rescue Department Zone 4 chief Andy Alie, the fire’s rapid escalation was attributed to several containers of paint stored within the shop, which posed a considerable challenge in bringing the inferno under control.
“We received an emergency call at 10.49am and immediately dispatched firefighters from Sungai Merah and Central stations.
“Upon arrival, the fire had already reached its peak,” he said in a statement today (Sept 9).
Andy explained that their firefighting efforts were hampered by low water pressure.
“We promptly contacted the Sibu Water Board to increase water pressure. However, we could only spray water onto the premises from outside, as we were unable to enter due to the intense fire, and the upper floor also collapsed,” he added.
He added that the fire was brought under control at about 1.20pm yesterday and fully extinguished at 6.48pm.
“The fire involved two shop lots approximately 30 by 50 feet.
“A man sustained minor injuries in the incident, and he was taken to the hospital for further treatment,” he said, refraining from specifying the extent of the man’s injuries.
The exact cause of the fire and losses incurred are still under investigation.
