KOTA KINABALU: Quick-thinking neighbours saved the lives of a family of three trapped in a fire involving two houses at Kampung Inanam Laut here today.
One of the neighbours, Hermansyah Abdul Muis, 37, said he was at home near the incident when he heard shouts from villagers about a fire.
Rushing to the scene, he heard a child's desperate cries for help as the latter's parents and brother were trapped inside the burning house.
"The child kept calling for his parents. At that time, the garage was on fire but it hadn't spread to the house yet.
"Without hesitation, I, along with two other neighbours, entered the lower part of the house and brought out all three victims," said Hermansyah, who is also a firefighter.
Hermansyah, stationed at the Lintas Fire and Rescue Station, said he handed the victims safely to their family members.
"Thankfully, all three were unharmed," he said.
It is understood that the fire was believed to have been caused by a man burning bushes near the garage, which spread to a nearby gas cylinder.
A spokesman for the state Fire and Rescue Department's Operations Centre said it received an emergency call about the fire at 2.46pm.
"A total of 24 firemen, including officers, three fire engines, and an Emergency Medical Response Services unit, were despatched to the scene.
"The fire, involving two houses, was brought under control by 3.15pm," he said.