MIRI: Swift action by longhouse dwellers saved a 25-door-longhouse from being destroyed in a fire in Batu Niah.
The State Fire and Rescue operation centre said a team of firefighters were dispatched from Batu Niah to Kampung Sungai Teh, Ulu Suai, near the site of the incident after the centre received an emergency 999 call.
“Firefighters had to walk 3km from the junction entrance to the longhouse as the fire engine was unable to make its way through,” it said in a statement today.
“The operation commander reported that the fire was completely extinguished by the longhouse resident.
The residents of the longhouse grouped up and with a total of 29 fire extinguishers, they managed to put out the fire and took control of the situation.
“The operation commander confirmed that upon arriving at the site, the fire was completely extinguished by the longhouse residents,” it said.
An eyewitness said the fire started from room No. 17 and spread to room No. 16 and No. 18.
Room No. 17 was completely destroyed while room No. 16 and No. 17 had most of the kitchen areas destroyed.
No casualties were reported.
