102 homeless after Temburong longhouse fire

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TEMBURONG: Some 102 people were left homeless after a fire razed through a 15-door longhouse in Kampong Sumbiling Baru in the Temburong District, about 14km from Pekan Bangar, slightly past midnight on Friday, Borneo Bulletin reported.

Rumah Panjang Sumbiling Baru was reduced to ashes in 30 minutes, spreading so quickly that almost all residents had run out empty-handed.

While several vehicles parked in front of the community house were saved, four cars, a motorcycle and a ‘sampan’ kept under the house went up in smoke.

Expected to bunk in with relatives for the time being, the survivors hope disaster aid from the government would reach them fast as the fasting month is just around the corner.

While no casualties were reported, loss of property was extensive, which included a mini rice mill.

The Fire and Rescue Department received the emergency call at 12.55am. The fire took 20 minutes to control as efforts were hampered by low water pressure.