[replicaypu]

Wednesday October 20, 2010

Blaze leaves 300 families homeless

KOTA KINABALU: An estimated 300 families were left homeless after a fire razed more than 100 wooden houses in a squatter colony in Likas. The fire, which is believed to have started at an abandoned house in the Kg Lembaga Padi Baru colony, quickly spread through the houses before firemen managed to bring it under control at about 12.50am yesterday. Most of the victims are now staying at the Likas multi-purpose hall.



Burned down: More than 200 wooden houses were destroyed in a fire at Lembaga Padi in Inanam on Monday night.

Sabah Fire and Rescue Services Department director Khairudin Dharman said two people suffered minor burns. He said firemen had to use three portable water pumps to put out the fire as hoses from the eight fire engines could not reach the area. Meanwhile, Sepanggar Umno chief Jumat Idris said that police should investigate the fire to clear any doubts that foul play was involved as residents in the area had been ordered by the courts to move out.

“I hope people will remain calm and let police carry out their investigations,’’ he said. Most of the residents were offered alternative housing in Telipok but many have yet to take up the offer as they have to pay a deposit. Jumat urged the relevant authorities to allow the people to move into their houses first and give them time to make the necessary payments.