| James Kon & Azlan Othman |
A FOREIGN national suffered injuries in a blaze that broke out at the Halimatul Saadiah Building in Gadong commercial area during the wee hours of yesterday.
According to a statement from the Fire and Rescue Department, a distress call about the fire was received at 3am. Fire engines with 18 fire fighters from Beribi, Bandar Seri Begawan and Berakas fire stations were immediately dispatched to the scene.
Upon arriving at the scene, the fire personnel found a massive blaze engulfing the ground floor of the building that houses a few wooden stalls surrounded with plywood, in front of Hua Ho Department Store.
Led by SSFR Nooraflan bin Haji Awang Kachi, the Commanding Officer of Operation ‘A’, firefighters controlled the fire within five minutes.
A total of 47 residents comprising nationals from Malaysia, Indonesia and Philippines were staying in the building when the fire occurred. One of them suffered head injury, a broken collarbone and chest pain.
The cause of the fire and extent of damages are currently under investigation.
Also present at the fire scene were Acting Director of Fire and Rescue, deputy director and the operation’s assistant director.
In light of the incident, the department reminded the public not to overload electrical systems; switch off all electrical appliances when not in use; and make sure the electrical wiring is in good condition and done by accredited companies.
Each building should be equipped with fire extinguishers, fire blankets as well as smoke detectors, the department urged.
Members of the public can contact the Fire and Rescue Operation Centre at 995 in case of an emergency and to provide any information.
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