Firefighters trying to control the fire at the longhouse in Kenyungan Batu Lintang.
The longhouse seen in the aftermath of the fire.
SRI AMAN: Nineteen families were left with only the clothes on their back after a fire razed their longhouse at Kenyungan Batu Lintang, Undop, some 24 kilometres from here.
The fire, which started around 11.30pm on Wednesday, affected some 40 residents of the 19-door longhouse.
A spokesperson for the Sri Aman Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) said three fire engines with a team of 15 firemen were mobilised to the scene following a distress call at 11.32pm.
Bomba personnel in Betong were also alerted of the fire and responded by sending one fire engine and eight firefighters.
“Residents of the longhouse claimed the fire started in a room located on the first floor of the longhouse,” said Sri Aman Bomba operations commander William Baheng.
The fire, he added, was brought under control at 1am and was fully extinguished at 3.30am.
“No lives were lost in this incident. The total damage and the cause of the fire are still under investigation,” he added.
When met, a longhouse resident said most of the residents were preparing to call it a day when the fire broke out.
“We did not manage to salvage our belongings as the fire spread very fast.
“Most of us were busy evacuating the old folks and making a grab for our personal documents,” said the resident.