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QUICK response by firefighters prevented casualties in a fire that destroyed a 20-door longhouse at Semanok, along the Pan Borneo Tatau–Bintulu Road, earlier today.
Although the non-permanent wooden structure was almost completely gutted by the blaze, all residents managed to flee before the flames spread further.
A spokesperson from the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department’s Operations Centre (PGO) said the emergency call was received at 11.41am, prompting the dispatch of teams from the Tatau and Bintulu Fire and Rescue Stations to the site, located some 29 kilometres away.
“Upon arrival at 12.05pm, the fire was already raging. Firefighters deployed two hoses using an open water source to prevent the flames from spreading to nearby areas. However, no injuries or fatalities were reported, and the fire was brought under control 21 minutes later,” the spokesperson said.
Several vehicles were also destroyed in the incident, while the total losses and cause of the fire are still under investigation.
Meanwhile, affected residents of the longhouse are currently being assessed for assistance by the relevant authorities. - November 10, 2025
