TATAU, Nov 10 — A devastating fire completely destroyed a 20-door longhouse belonging to James Talib at Semanok, along Jalan Pesisir Jepak–Kuala Tatau earlier today.
According to a spokesperson from the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department’s Operations Centre (PGO), the department received an emergency call at 11.41am. A team from the Tatau Fire and Rescue Station (BBP) was immediately dispatched to the scene with support from the Bintulu BBP.
The fire site was located approximately 29 kilometres from the Tatau station. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered that the blaze had fully engulfed the longhouse — a non-permanent wooden structure measuring about 400 feet by 80 feet with 20 connected doors.
“The longhouse was already 100 percent burned down when the team arrived. Extinguishing efforts were carried out using two 300-foot hose streams and two jets drawing water from a nearby ditch,” the spokesperson said in a statement.
Several vehicles, including cars and motorcycles, were also destroyed in the fire. The exact number of vehicles involved is still being confirmed based on reports from their owners.
Fortunately, no casualties or injuries were reported in the incident. Firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control by 12.26pm, although cooling operations continued afterward to ensure the area was completely safe.
The cause of the fire and the total losses are still under investigation. The tragedy has left residents of the longhouse in shock, as many lost their homes and belongings within minutes. Authorities are expected to work with local leaders to provide temporary assistance and support to those affected.
