21 villagers in Kampung Pa’ Derung, Bario made homeless in fire

Fire in Kampung Pa’ Derung, Bario.

BARIO, March 19: Twenty one villagers in Kampung Pa’ Derung are left homeless after a fire razed their longhouse early this morning.

Miri Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) chief PgKB I Law Poh  Kiong disclosed that the village, located some 5km from Bario Asal caught fire between 1.30am to 2.30am.

Fortunately, no fatalities or injuries were reported in the incident which involved eight ‘doors’ from one longhouse and a stand alone house next to it.

The houses were completely destroyed in the fire.

Although Pa’ Derung village chief Caleena Pasang said it was likely caused by electrical appliance, Law added that a team of investigators from Bomba Miri has departed to the scene to conduct investigation.

Traveling some 180km on logging road, the journey will take firefighters about 12 hours, depending on the weather, to reach Bario. — DayakDaily