KANOWIT: Twenty-four families were left with just the clothes on their backs when the longhouse where they lived in Tuai Rumah Seliau, Sungai Tuah, burnt down early today.
A Fire and Rescue Department spokesman said the fire was reported at 1.39am, adding that firemen arrived at the scene at 2.30am.
The firemen, he said, were from the Kanowit and Sibu Jaya stations.
He added that the blaze was brought under control at 3.53am.
The spokesman said no injuries or deaths were reported in the incident.
The operation involved 16 firemen in two Light Fire Rescue Tenders and a pickup truck.
The cause of the fire and cost of damages have yet to be determined.