Jamri (third from left) with recipients of Fire Certificates at the department’s monthly gathering.
TWELVE longhouse fires were reported in the first nine months of this year in Sarawak, with losses estimated at RM12.4mil.
Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department director Jamri Masran said a total of 166 longhouse doors were destroyed while firefighters saved 19 doors through prompt action.
One of the biggest fires happened at Rumah Ridap in Marudi, Miri on March 10, where out of 23 doors, six were completely destroyed, four damaged and 13 saved.
The fire affected 188 residents, with estimated losses amounting to RM3.9mil, he said.
Another significant fire incident occurred at Rumah Lipie in Ulu Sebauh, Bintulu, on March 20, which destroyed all 27 doors.
A fire on June 16, affecting Rumah Gamang in Jalan Penasu, involved 19 doors with losses exceeding RM2.2mil.
Most of the fires were categorised under “other causes”, while one case in Saratok was caused by electrical faults.
Speaking at the department’s monthly gathering in Sibu, Jamri called on longhouse residents to improve their fire prevention measures, including ensuring that their electrical appliances are in good working condition.
“Prevention and community awareness are critical to reducing risks,” he said, adding that the state fire department saved property worth over RM34.9mil in firefighting operations carried out on 117 fire cases statewide as of August.
Of the total, Jamri said 94 involved structural fires and 23 were vehicle-related.
Property saved from structural fires was valued at RM34,788,330, he said, while vehicle-related incidents accounted for RM173,410, bringing the total to RM34,961,740.
Losses recorded during the same period amounted to RM749,610.85, comprising RM161,720.85 from structural fires and RM587,890 from vehicle fires, added Jamri.
On Oct 12, a fire at the Sarawak Cultural Village in Kuching, destroyed the Bidayuh Longhouse.
At press time, the cause had not been determined.
