Temple damaged by fire

KUCHING: The Cheng Sian Tong Association temple building at Lorong Bukit Hantu, Westwood, here was damaged in a fire early today.

The Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) said it received a distress call at 3.03am and arrived at the scene at 3.05am.

The fire was brought under control at 3.08am, with the firefighting operation ending at 4.15am. No casualties were reported in the incident.

According to Bomba, temple occupants had attempted to extinguish the fire using three ABC powder fire extinguishers but were unsuccessful.

Firefighters from the Batu Lintang Fire and Rescue Station then carried out firefighting operations using a 300-foot hose line equipped with a dividing breeching and a nozzle.

They also used a ceiling hook to open and break sections of the internal ceiling to inspect the area and ensure no hidden embers remained in the ceiling space. The temple sustained 20 per cent damage.

After ensuring the fire was under control and the premises were safe, the operation was concluded and the team returned to the station.