MIRI – A total of 40 residents from eight families were left homeless after their longhouse at Rumah Panjang Sain, Mile 17, Bukit Song along Jalan Bintulu-Miri, was completely destroyed in a fire yesterday evening.
The Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) said the alarm was raised at about 4.40pm, prompting a team from the Miri Sentral Fire and Rescue Station (BBP) to rush to the scene.
“Upon arrival, the fire brigade found that the blaze involved an eight-door longhouse made of non-permanent materials. The structure had already been fully engulfed in flames,” said a spokesperson from the department’s Operations Centre (PGO).
Firefighters immediately began operations to contain the flames. With the assistance of personnel from the Lopeng Fire and Rescue Station, the blaze was brought under control by 5.30pm. However, the longhouse continued smouldering until it was fully extinguished at around 12.35am.
Fortunately, there were no casualties reported in the incident as all occupants managed to escape safely before the fire spread further.
JBPM confirmed that investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing. The department’s forensic team will also determine the total losses suffered by the victims.
Meanwhile, local authorities are expected to extend assistance to the affected families, who have now lost their homes and belongings. The tragedy highlights the vulnerability of traditional and semi-permanent longhouse structures, which are often at risk of being consumed rapidly by fire.
This incident adds to the series of recent longhouse fires reported in Sarawak, underscoring the urgent need for stronger fire-prevention measures and safety awareness among rural communities.
