MIRI: An afternoon fire destroyed two teachers’ quarters of SK Long Bemang in Baram yesterday (May 13).
Marudi fire chief Maureen Sim who confirmed the incident, said no casualties were reported as the occupants (eight teachers and family members) were not in because of the school holidays.
He said they were only alerted about the fire via WhatsApp at 5.35 pm as the village experienced telecommunication issues.
By the time firemen received the information, the blaze had already been put out by the villagers and auxiliary firemen from Long Bemang.
The fire at its peak. 
Local villagers along with Long Bemang auxiliary firemen attempting to put out the flames that destroyed two teachers’ quarters.
“The incident was noticed around 3.40 pm by neighbour Wan Lawai, who was heading to the farm.
“He and a security guard attempted to put out the fire through the back door of the quarters but failed due to the intense heat.
“Residents from a nearby longhouse as well as the auxiliary firemen were summoned to help extinguish the blaze,” he said.
Unfortunately, nothing much could be done.
Local villagers along with Long Bemang auxiliary firemen attempting to put out the flames that destroyed two teachers’ quarters. 
Local villagers along with Long Bemang auxiliary firemen attempting to put out the flames that destroyed two teachers’ quarters. 
Local villagers along with Long Bemang auxiliary firemen attempting to put out the flames that destroyed two teachers’ quarters.
Maureen said the flames were fully extinguished at 5.30 pm with four fire extinguishers and water from a 400-foot stream.
The cause of the fire and losses incurred are still under investigations.
SK Long Bemang is located after the town of Long Lama, which takes about five hours to reach through a logging road of about 200 km from Miri City.
