SIBU: Three separate fire incidents here in a single day have prompted Zone 4 Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) chief Andy Alie to remind the public of the importance of fire prevention measures, especially during the current hot season.
Alie pointed out two critical areas that demand extra caution — kitchen safety and general fire prevention during the hot season.
“Ensure that electrical appliances such as ovens, microwaves, or toasters are in good condition, with no damaged cables, and turn off the appliances after use.
“Make sure that cloth, paper, plastic, or other flammable materials are kept away from the kitchen or other heat sources,” he said when contacted by Sarawak Tribune today.
Alie urged the public to ensure that fire extinguishers, whether at home or in vehicles, are fully functional, as the risk of fire increases during hot weather.
Yesterday (Sept 5), firefighters responded to three separate fire emergencies across town.
The first incident occurred at 6.24 am, involving two double-storey terraced houses at Jalan Layang Layang. The Sibu Central and Sungai Merah firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control by 7.35 am.
Fortunately, no casualties were reported.
Later in the afternoon, at 1.43 pm, firefighters received another distress call about a fire at a longhouse in Rh Berendam, Ulu Durin Kiba.
Firefighters from Sibu Jaya and Kanowit were dispatched. However, when they arrived, residents had already extinguished the fire, which affected a kitchen and washing machine.
The Bomba personnel conducted safety checks and secured the area before returning to the station.
By evening, at 6.03 pm, firefighters were again called into action — this time for a fire involving two wooden houses at Kampung Usahajaya Baru, Lorong Sentosa 6 Timur.
The fire was extinguished by 9 pm, but the damage was severe, leaving 31 residents (19 from the first house and 12 from the second) without homes.
The cause of the fires and the total value of the damages are still under investigation.
