Some of Lubok Lemba PBS members posing with Ambrose (standing second left) in front of the ill-fated Rumah Gandun
SARIKEI: Even with the odds stacked against them, the members of Lubok Lemba Voluntary Fire Brigade Unit (PBS) based at Rumah Nyuka did not back down from their duties when facing a raging fire which razed Rumah Gandun in Ulu Sarikei, about 21 kilometres from here last week.
It is understood that the fire broke out around 6.50pm but PBS was only notified 20 minutes later due to communication difficulties. Nevertheless, they were the first firefighters to arrive on the scene, departing from their base at 7.10pm as soon as they received word of the fire and reaching the site about 5km away at 7.18pm.
The 30-member PBS led by Ambrose Atang Ajun, used a double-nozzle 400m-long hose connected to fire hydrants in the vicinity to combat the surging flames.
Their efforts were reinforced by the arrival of a team of firemen from the district Fire and Rescue (Bomba) station 17 minutes later at 7.35pm . Working together, they managed to bring the fire under control in about one and a half hours.
The volunteers remained on at the scene until operations leader PBK II Haron Jenai officially called off the operation at 10pm.
However, their valiant efforts only managed to save two units of the 23-unit longhouse from the inferno which left about 250 people homeless, including an elderly woman who also suffered minor burns.
Despite losing their home and belongings, longhouse chief Tuai Rumah Gandun Jalong, on behalf of her security and development committee (JKKK) extended their gratitude to Ambrose and his fellow volunteers for their efforts.