MIRI – A longhouse in Julau was razed to the ground in a pre-dawn blaze that began around 4am this morning.
Fortunately, all members of the 17 households managed to escape the flames, said the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department in its after-action report shared to the media.
The destroyed home was located about 60kms away from the nearest town in Bintangor – where the firefighters are located.
In its update, the Bintangor Fire and Rescue Department said a total of 77 residents have been left homeless following the incident.
“The whole longhouse was totally destroyed by the fire. The site is about 60kms from the Bintangor Fire and Rescue station.
“The station received an emergency call around 4am and firefighters immediately rushed to the scene. The entire structure was already on fire when the rescue team arrived.
“Fortunately, all the occupants escaped,” the report said.
Initial probe showed that the fire started in one of the living quarters before spreading rapidly to other parts of the building.
The victims are currently waiting for urgent aid from welfare authorities. – The Vibes, January 31, 2022
