SIBU: A hardware shop in Jalan Mantis, Upper Lanang here sustained substantial damage after it caught fire on Friday (Sept 8).
Sibu Bomba chief Andy Alie told reporters at the scene that several containers of paint stored in the shop caused the fire to spread quickly.
"We received an emergency call at 10.49am and immediately sent firefighters from the Sungai Merah and Central stations.
"By the time they got there, the fire was already at its height," he said.
He added that their efforts to fight the blaze were hampered by low water pressure.
"We immediately called up the Sibu Water Board to increase the water pressure.
"However, our men could only hose down the premises from outside as they could not enter it due to the fierce flames," he said, adding that the blaze was brought under control at around noon.
Andy said the cause of the fire and total loss are still being investigated.
Videos of the fire showing huge black smoke emitting from the building spread quickly on social media.
