MIRI: Forty residents of a longhouse in Bukit Song, along the Bintulu-Miri Road, escaped without injury after a devastating fire reduced their homes to ashes late Thursday afternoon.
The blaze broke out at Rumah Sain, an eight-door wooden longhouse, at about 4:40 pm. Within minutes, flames engulfed the entire structure, which firefighters later confirmed was destroyed in its entirety.
Firefighters from Miri Sentral and Lopeng stations rushed to the scene, battling the inferno with four hose reels stretching 400 feet each.
The operation was brought under control by 5:30 pm, though firefighters remained at the site until after midnight to ensure no embers reignited.
According to the Sarawak Fire and Rescue operation centre, firemen drew water from the nearest hydrant.
Among those who lost their homes were longhouse chief Sain Ugang, his family, and seven other households, including children. However, no one was injured, but they were left with little more than the clothes on their backs.
The longhouse, measuring roughly 50 by 120 feet, was a non-permanent structure that stood no chance once the fire took hold.
Villagers reported that poor mobile network coverage hampered early calls for help.
Fifteen firefighters, supported by two fire engines and two emergency medical response vehicles, took part in the operation.
They were assisted on the ground by police, electricity board staff, and district office representatives.
Zone 6 fire chief, Ismaidi Haji Ismail, was also at the scene to oversee the operation.
The cause of the fire is yet to be determined.
