SIBU: Rumah Lichai Pusong in Sungai Tepus, Ulu Balingian is the second longhouse in the state destroyed by fire this year, with total loss estimated at RM800,000.
Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) director Nor Hisham Mohammad, however, said the actual total loss could only be ascertained after the investigation had been completed.
“We need to interview every occupant to determine their losses,” he said.
The first longhouse fire in the state was in Niah where a 53-door longhouse was gutted.
Nor Hisham revealed that two investigation officers from the headquarters in Kuching had been deployed to assist the three from here in investigating the fire at Rh Lichai Pusong.
The fire levelled the 16-door longhouse around 10am on Tuesday, leaving 96 residents homeless.
According to the media report, the fire was believed to have started from the kitchen in one of the units.
Apparently, someone had left a pot of boiling water unattended after leaving for Selangau.
Nor Hisham explained that the pot when dried up could cause the aluminum to melt and eventually, drip.
“When it drips, it usually produces a blue-coloured flame and upon contact with the hose, it could start a fire and spread,” he said.
Hence, he advised people to take necessary precautions when cooking in the kitchen more so, during the current dry weather.
“Stop cooking if you need to leave the kitchen to attend to some urgent matters or answer a telephone call,” advised Nor Hisham.