A longhouse fire in Baram left 10 residents homeless after five bilik were gutted early this morning.

The fire happened at Rumah Hendry Gomes in Kampung Mission, Ulu Teru, Tinjar, Baram. The affected residents included three women and three children.

What happened

Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department said the distress call came in at about 2am. Firefighters from Lopeng and Lutong were sent to the scene, around 134km away.

Because of hilly terrain, narrow roads and rocky access, the teams took more than four hours to reach the location. By the time they arrived, about 95% of the affected units had already been razed.

Nearby residents helped fight the fire first using 36 fire extinguishers and buckets of water. No injuries were reported, and the displaced residents are staying with relatives.

Initial findings suggest the fire may have been caused by faulty electrical wiring.

Location: Kampung Mission, Ulu Teru, Tinjar, Baram
Details: Five bilik razed; 10 residents affected; operation ended at 9.35am.

Source: The Borneo Post

Scary reminder for rural homes, especially wiring and access road issues. What do you think?