LONG LAMA (Miri): Severe flooding in Long Lama on Friday hampered firefighters’ efforts to extinguish a blaze that destroyed three units of shophouses here.
Fortunately, there were no injuries or casualties reported in the 11pm incident.
According to Miri Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) Zone 6 chief Supt Law Poh Kiong, the fire incident was posted by a member of the public via her Facebook account who had asked for help as the storm and heavy flood that hit the town earlier had led to power outages.
“The lady then received a call from her husband in Long Lama via a satellite phone, informing her of the fire incident,” Law explained.
Heavy rain that occurred since Friday morning has made the only road to Long Lama impassable to vehicles, including fire engines from Miri city that were deployed to the scene to help put out the fire.
Law said a team of firemen with a fire engine from Lopeng station were forced to make a U-Turn back to Miri due to the condition.
Fortunately, volunteers from the Long Lama Fire Brigade swiftly sprang into action to help put out the fire.
The fire brigade was established in February this year.
“They were about to reach the scene when they encountered the situation (flooded road),” said Law.
Meanwhile, a team of Marudi firemen were on their way to the scene using river transport.
“They arrived in Long Lama at 10.30am this morning (Saturday),” Law said today.
