MIRI: A remote longhouse in Kampung Long Loyang was destroyed by fire on Monday night, as villagers battled the flames on their own after emergency crews were unable to reach the scene due to hazardous road conditions.
The blaze tore through Block C of the 23-door longhouse at around 8:30 pm. Residents scrambled to create a firebreak, using portable water pumps to soak nearby structures and halt the spread.
Their intervention likely prevented a wider catastrophe.
A 60-year-old man suffered burns and was treated at the Long Loyang health clinic.
According to the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Operations Centre, firefighters from Lopeng station were dispatched but were forced to stop mid-route.
Heavy rain, slippery logging roads, darkness and near-zero visibility made the journey too dangerous to continue.
Crew members resume the journey at first light today alongside a forensic unit to determine the cause and assess losses.
Further updates are expected following site inspection.
