25 residents left homeless after fire destroys three longhouse units in Ulu Tinjar, Baram

MIRI, Oct 11 — Three units of a longhouse at Rumah Wani in Ulu Tinjar were completely destroyed in a fire this morning, affecting three families comprising 25 people.

The Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) said it received an emergency call at 8.20am, prompting firefighters from the Lopeng and Batu Niah fire stations to respond to the incident along Jalan Sungai Lansat.

The team arrived at the scene at 11.05am after travelling 135km to reach the longhouse.

“The fire involved three units of a longhouse built with non-permanent materials, namely units four, five and six, covering an estimated area of 54 by 100 feet.

“All three units were completely destroyed,” Bomba said in a statement.

The three affected families comprised five, 10 and 10 members respectively. No casualties were reported.

The operation was led by PBK I Abdul Rahman Rosliee, with 11 firefighters from both stations deployed to the scene. They were supported by two Fire Rescue Tenders (FRTs) and a four-wheel-drive vehicle.

The fire was brought under control at 11.20am, and the operation ended at 12.14pm after firefighters completed overhaul work to ensure no remaining hotspots could reignite the fire.

Police and Sarawak Energy personnel were also present at the scene. — The Borneo Post