Fire Dept on mission to curb bushfires
By Zan Hosni

Firemen put out a bushfire in Lambak and assess the damage

Part of the area in Lambak where the bushfire broke out

Firemen of the Berakas Fire Services Department were on duty once again to save a part of Brunei's treasured forest areas. A bush fire broke out in the area opposite the Lambak Kanan Housing area, nearby to the Berakas Petrol Station. Four fire engines and approximately 17 firemen were on hand to lend their services to try and get the bushfire under control. A call from the public was received about 12 in the afternoon to alert the fire services of the ensuing bushfire. Firemen were still keeping the situation under control at 5pm yesterday

More than 20 calls were made to the Fire Department yesterday to inform of various bushfires breaking out within the nation the whole day. The first call to be made that day was at 5.30am.

Dry conditions can easily cause bushfires in any forest, including those situated near residential areas, usually without any visible telltale signs.

Last week, bushfires were detected and promptly dealt with at the Beribi Light Industrial Area in Gadong, and in the Badas area, February 18, 2003. Bushfires had also been reported every day along Jln Maulana and Jln Seria Belait in the Belait District.

The Seria bypass, which had been closed for two weeks due to poor visibility, was reopened February 17, after it was deemed safe to use by the Royal Brunei Police Force and the Fire Services Department.

Meanwhile, the Fire Services Department has repeatedly reminded the public to abstain from open burning activities, so as not to aggravate the smoky conditions around the country.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin