KOTA KINABALU: The quick action of villagers at Kg Labuan Senang in Semporna district saved a house from being razed by fire.

       The blaze, which happened at around 10pm on Tuesday (April 12), was believed to have been caused by a mentally unsound man who unplugged the hose of a gas cylinder.

       His actions sparked a fire in the kitchen, and villagers who noticed the smoke quickly put out the flames.

       Sabah Fire and Rescue Department assistant director of operations Misran Bisara said they received a call at 10.54pm and a team was dispatched.

       “When our men arrived, the fire had already been extinguished,” he said in a statement Wednesday (April 13).

       He said they made sure there were no more dangerous elements before wrapping up the operation at 11.40pm.

       The person suspected of starting the fire had been arrested by police, Misran said.

       No one was injured in the incident.