Firefighters Cross 500m Bridge to Battle Blaze in Kampung Nelayan
MIRI – A fierce fire in Kampung Nelayan, Jalan Pujut 3, tested the endurance and commitment of local firefighters today as they crossed a narrow 500-metre wooden bridge on foot while carrying heavy firefighting gear to reach the blaze site.
The fire, which broke out around 11.55am, completely destroyed one traditional wooden house and partially damaged another, rendering six individuals homeless. The quick response and effort of the firefighters, however, managed to prevent further spread of the flames.
According to the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) Operations Centre (PGO), personnel from the Lopeng Fire and Rescue Station, assisted by the Miri station, were dispatched immediately after receiving the emergency call.
“Upon arrival, it was found that the fire involved two residential houses. The first, a traditional house made of non-permanent materials, was 100 percent destroyed. The second, a two-storey structure, suffered approximately two percent damage in its kitchen area,” JBPM stated in a press release.
The greatest challenge faced by the team was the limited access to the area. Firefighters had no choice but to haul hoses, nozzles, and other firefighting tools on foot across the lengthy wooden bridge to reach the scene.
The team used water from a nearby fire hydrant and river to control the fire. The situation was brought under control by 12.20pm and the entire operation was declared over at 1.54pm.
Fortunately, there were no reports of injuries or fatalities in the incident.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
This incident highlights the unique challenges faced by firefighters in remote or rural areas of Sarawak, where accessibility remains a major hurdle during emergency situations.
