Fire destroys three longhouse units in Sarawak, displaces 25 residents

MIRI — Firefighters responded to a major blaze at Rumah Wani in Ulu Tinjar on Wednesday that destroyed three residential units and rendered 25 people homeless.

The fire broke out in the morning hours, engulfing the traditional longhouse structure with considerable speed. Emergency services deployed multiple units to combat the flames, though the intensity of the fire prevented the salvaging of the affected units.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire. Preliminary reports indicate the blaze spread rapidly through the interconnected dwelling spaces typical of longhouse architecture, though the exact origin remains under examination.

Local officials have coordinated relief efforts for the displaced families. Residents have been provided with temporary shelter and assistance as authorities assess the scale of damage and determine next steps for reconstruction or relocation.

The incident underscores ongoing fire safety concerns in rural longhouse communities across Sarawak, where traditional construction methods and densely populated living arrangements can complicate firefighting efforts.