Editor’s note: Updated with details as at 8am, Sept 4, 2019.
SARIKEI, Sept 4: Fire destroyed a seven-‘pintu’ (door) longhouse in Jagoi Pakan, last night.
Twenty people including two children from Rh Andrew Lawai were left homeless.
Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) operations centre (PGO) in a statement said they received a distress call at 8.50pm.
Eighteen firefighters from Bintangor and Sarikei fire stations were despatched to the scene, located about 42km away.
By the time they arrived at 9.45pm, the fire has spread throughout the 18 x 70 feet longhouse, prompting firefighters to use the defensive method to control it.
Since there were no fire hydrants or open water sources nearby, firefighters had to repeatedly refill their firetruck tank from a fire hydrant located 500 metres away.
The fire was believed to have started from ‘pintu’ number 5.
No injuries and fatalities were reported.
The victims are now temporarily taking shelter at Meradong and Julau district council community halls in Pakan.
Earlier version of this story:
SARIKEI, Sept 3: Fire has destroyed Rh Andrew Jagoi in Pakan.
Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) operations centre (PGO) in a statement said they received a distress call at 8.50pm.
According to the caller, Rh Andrew Jagoi had seven ‘pintu’ (doors).
Eighteen firefighters from Bintangor and Sarikei fire stations were despatched to the scene.
This is the 13th longhouse fire case this year, and the second longhouse destroyed by fire within the last three days.
On Sept 1, Rumah Noh Bin in Kampung Stalon, Belawai burnt down, leaving 56 residents from eight families homeless. — DayakDaily
