SIBU: A barge berthed at Pulau Selalo in Paradom here was destroyed by a fire today morning.
Fire and Rescue Department Zone 4 Chief Andy Alie said that a team of firefighters from the Sibu Central Fire Station was dispatched to the location upon receiving a distress call at 8.02 am.
“On arrival, firefighters carried out the operation to douse the fire using a 200-foot long delivery hose with two nozzles as well as transport pumps with water sourced from the river,” he said in a statement today.
Firefighters battled the flames from another barge, which transported the firefighters to the scene because the ship was berthed about 200 metres from the riverbank.
“The fire has completely destroyed the engine compartment and the second level of the barge,” he said.
Andy added that there were no injuries reported, and the fire was under control at 9.20 am.
“After ensuring that the fire was completely extinguished and the situation was safe, the team returned to base at 9.55 am,” he said.
When contacted, Andy said that the cause and total loss of the fire are still under investigation.
