LAWAS: A double-storey dormitory and teachers’ quarters were razed to the ground in a morning fire which broke out at a school in Long Tuma in Lawas district yesterday.

According to Lawas Bomba chief Zaki Hussin, the station received an SOS call at 10.03am.

A fire engine and 11 firefighters rushed to the scene and brought the fire under control at 10.22 am.

The school, located in Ba Kelalan state constituency, is about five kilometres from Lawas town.

The cause of the fire is under investigation but eye-witnesses said flames were seen on the first floor of the block for female students before spreading to the ground floor for boys.

The wooden building lit up like tinder as, fanned by wind, the fire engulfed it and spread to the next block housing teachers’ quarters.

There were no injuries or casualties as all the students were in class at that time.

Lawas District education officer Matzinan Wahit rushed to the scene after being informed of the incident.

He said 170 boarders were affected by the fire, and arrangements had been made to temporarily house them.

Boarders from faraway villages would be placed in neighbouring villages at Lawas Damit.

Only nine students are day scholars.

SPDP Bukit Sari chief Yong Kah Sing and exco members immediately channelled relief assistance to the school.

Source: The Borneo Post