MIRI (Jan 9): A devastating fire tore through workers’ quarters at an oil palm plantation along Mile 6/12 Jalan Miri-Bintulu this morning, leaving 52 Indonesian nationals without their belongings but thankfully unscathed.
According to the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), the distress call was received at 10:12 am. Firefighters from the Lopeng and Miri Central fire stations arrived at the scene by 10:26 am, only to find the wooden quarters fully engulfed in flames.
The fire was brought under control by 11:35 am, with the operation concluding at 2:10 pm. Despite the extensive damage, no injuries were reported among the affected individuals, comprising 35 adults and 17 children.
“The quarters consisted of five units, each with four rooms. All 52 occupants managed to escape unharmed,” said a Bomba spokesperson.
The fire destroyed all belongings, leaving the residents with only the clothes on their backs. Efforts to determine the cause of the blaze are ongoing.
Local authorities are working to provide immediate assistance to the displaced residents. The plantation management is also coordinating with relevant agencies to ensure the affected families receive temporary shelter and other necessary support.
This incident underscores the importance of fire safety measures, particularly in densely populated wooden quarters. As investigations continue, residents are reminded to remain vigilant and report any potential fire hazards to authorities.