SIBU: Fireworks and negligence are to blame for the fire that damaged four houses in Taman Permai on the first day of Chinese New Year.
Sarawak Fire Department Zone 4 chief Janggan Muling said the fire broke out in the wee hours at 1am.
“The fire started from the car porch of a house which had flammable items. This caused the flames to spread quickly to the next three houses.
“One of the four houses involved was 70 per cent damaged while, another was 30 per cent damaged. Two other houses were partially damaged,” he said, adding that three cars and two motorcycles were also destroyed in the fire.
A total of 25 tenants from the houses managed to get out to safety and escaped injuries.
Janggan pointed out that when the firemen from Sungai Merah and Sibu Central stations arrived, they were not able to open the fire hydrant valve as it had been covered with tar.
Because of that, the team had to use water from the fire trucks.
“I would like the public to inform us if the hydrants are not working or are not in good condition,” he said.
Last Saturday, Nangka assemblyman Dr Annuar Rapaee, accompanied by the Sibu Zone 4 fire forensic unit, visited the affected families.
