BETONG: A total of 129 residents of Rumah Peter Igoh Nanga Mujan Skrang were made homeless after their 27-door longhouse was razed to the ground yesterday afternoon (March 31).
The 129 residents, comprising 59 men, 57 women, and 13 children, were affected by the afternoon inferno.
Firemen from Betong fire station were despatched to the scene following a distress call at 3.32pm.
The firemen rushed to the longhouse, which was 22 kilometres away from the fire station.
When the firemen reached the scene, the 27-door longhouse had been completely razed to the ground.
Three motorcycles that were parked near the longhouse were also completely destroyed by the afternoon fire.
It is understood that three residents suffered burns to their faces, and one had breathing difficulties; no other casualties were reported from the fire.
By using three water nozzles with water pumped from a nearby river, the firemen managed to prevent the fire from spreading.
After ensuring the fire was fully extinguished, they wrapped up their operations at 7.30pm.
