KUCHING: Electrical faults, gas equipment, flaming fires, irresponsible disposal of cigarette butts, kerosene lamps, candles, lighters and matches are the main culprits behind structure fires, said Sarawak Fire and Rescue department (Bomba) director Khirudin Drahman.
He said that so far, 16 longhouses in the state have caught fire this year, which is a decrease from last year’s figure at 21.
“Out of that number, six cases were due to electricity shortages, gas appliances (four cases), flaming fires (three cases), and lighters, matches, oil lamps and candles recorded one case each,” he said today.
Khirudin also said Sarawak recorded no deaths and injuries this year.
He added that firefighters were able to save 333 doors (53 percent) from 16 longhouses, with total estimated property saved at RM 12.38 million.
“A total of 196 doors (47 percent) from 16 longhouses were damaged, with a total estimation loss of RM10.95 million,” he added.
Khirudin also noted that many longhouses have been equipped with power supply.
Thus, he suggested the members of the public should have at least one fire extinguisher in their residential areas.
“The community should also have basic fire escape skills,” he said.
