MIRI: A longhouse in the remote area of Ulu Baram, known as Rumah Ba Abang Long Sepatai, was destroyed in a fire, Sunday night (Nov 3).
The Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) reported difficulties in verifying details of the incident due to the remote location and limited communication channels.
Marudi Bomba received an emergency call about the fire at 9.09pm, station chief Maureen Sim confirmed.
However, the exact time of the fire’s start, as well as the number of residents involved, remains uncertain as emergency responders have been unable to make contact with the affected individuals.
Phone coverage in the area is minimal, hindering immediate access to information from those impacted by the blaze.
Due to the challenging terrain, reaching the scene requires a six- to seven-hour drive by four wheel drive vehicle from the nearest Bomba station (Marudi).
The rescue team faced additional delays from adverse weather conditions and rugged road access, further complicating initial response efforts.
Fire investigation officers from the Miri Zone 6 are en route to the site to assess the damage and determine the cause of the fire.
They are expected to arrive later Monday (Nov 4), though the assessment timeline remains fluid due to weather-related obstacles.
