The fire in Long Bedian at its height.
MIRI: Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau has urged all longhouses in his constituency to form their own fire-fighting unit as a pro-active measure and contingency plan in the event of a fire.
He said it was important for longhouse folk to be ready to deal with the situation as Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) personnel would not be able to reach them in time should a fire occur.
“Form your own Bomba Sukarela (volunteer firemen) squad, or at least some kind of action team, as Bomba may not reach the location of incident in time in the event of any fire outbreak,” he said.
Dennis made the call following a fire on Sunday night at Long Bedian settlement which destroyed a row of sundry shops, but did not result in injuries or casualties.
The fire razed three shops, two rice-milling facilities and two generator stores.
Firemen from Miri and Marudi took about four hours to reach Long Bedian following a distress call, arriving at the scene around 10pm.
According to the assemblyman, the fire broke out right after he left Long Bedian around 6pm after attending two functions there.
“Thank God the fire didn’t destroy more property,” he said.
Dennis also called upon Bomba to conduct more fire safety and prevention campaigns in longhouses, while urging the government to provide all villages with fire-fighting equipment.
Total loss in Sunday night’s fire was yet to be ascertained as of press time yesterday.
The aftermath of the fire.