Fire destroys solar station in Baram’s Kampung Long Tap, leaving 640 residents without power

Firefighters together with villagers assessing the damages on the solar station in Kampung Long Tap after a fire incident.

By Tedong Rantayy

MIRI, Sept 14: A fire that completely destroyed a solar power supply station in Kampung Long Tap, located in the interior Baram, on Wednesday (Sept 11) has left 640 residents from 71 households without electricity.

According to Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) Marudi, the incident occurred around 12.45pm.

However, due to the remote location, immediate response efforts were hindered.

Firefighters and investigators from Zone 6 only reached the site on Thursday (Sept 12) after navigating difficult terrain, including a logging road and river crossings by boat.

The solar supply station, housed in a temporary 30×30-foot structure, contained the village’s solar power generator. All batteries and equipment were completely destroyed in the blaze.

The fire was first noticed when a resident spotted thick smoke billowing from the solar room. Simultaneously, the entire village experienced a sudden power outage.

Fortunately, no injuries or casualties were reported.

By the time firefighters arrived, the fire had already burned out.

Bomba Marudi, assisted by the Miri Zone Fire Investigation Division, is currently investigating the cause of the fire and assessing the total damage incurred.

Efforts to restore electricity to the village are now underway. — DayakDaily