Reports of forest fires up
Published on: Monday, March 04, 2024
By: Sohan Das
Firefighters putting out the forest fires.
LABUAN: District Fire and Rescue responded to two forest fire calls in Kg Kansa and Kg Selagon Bukit within 24 hours on Thursday.
Fire and Rescue Station Chief Muhammad Hasbullah Nenggok said the incident in Kg Kansa at 8.28pm saw an acre of mostly oil palm destroyed.
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In Kampung Selagon Bukit a 10-acre forest was destroyed.
In Sipitang, there was a peat forest fire on Saturday and the fire brigade received the call at 8.31am.
“A fire team of 6 members acted to put it out in Kg.Banting,” said Chief of Fire and Rescue Station Calvin Joe Jeafery.
The operation was assisted by a Malaysian Civil Defense Force team.
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The peat forest area that burned is estimated to be 63 acres. All of it was destroyed,” he said.
Community Development Leader for Sindumin, Wendey Agong Baruh, urged residents to be vigilant and prevent open burning.
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He said forest fires occurred in several villages most notably Kg Banting, Kg Pantai Mile 7, Kg Pantai and Kg Long Kinangan.
“Don’t engage in open burning, as it can make it difficult for the fire brigade to contain if it’s uncontrolled,” he said.
Wendey cautioned against littering cigarette butts, especially in flammable areas like grasslands and forests.
Wendey pointed out the health risks posed by forest fires, as the resulting haze can be harmful, particularly for individuals with asthma.
The Department of Environment has cautioned against open burning due to its environmental impact.
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