LUBOK ANTU: With just two weeks to Gawai Dayak, 47 residents of a 15-door longhouse at Nanga Kesit, Lumanak Engkelili, were left with nothing but the clothes on their backs after a fire destroyed their home this morning.
The blaze, which occurred at around 10:00 am, gutted the two-storey structure, forcing residents to flee in haste.
Fortunately, no injuries or casualties were reported as all occupants managed to escape in time.
The Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) said firefighters from Betong and Sri Aman stations, along with Betong auxiliary firefighters, were dispatched to the scene following an emergency call.
Upon arrival, they found the longhouse fully engulfed in flames and beyond saving.
The team drew water from a nearby river to douse the fire, which was eventually brought under control.
Overhaul works were carried out to prevent any reignition.
Once the situation was deemed safe, the team ended the operation and departed back to their station.
The cause of the fire and losses incurred is still under investigation.
