Haze Hits Brunei-Muara As Blaze Destroys Berakas Forest Reserve
By CT Hj Mahmod

Bandar Seri Begawan - It was a hazy Sunday for Brunei-Muara residents yesterday with Lambak Kiri of Mukim Berakas area severely affected by the haze caused by forest fires blazing through the Berakas Forest Reserve.

Firefighters were caught by surprise as yesterday's blaze was the second to hit the same spot in a span of four days, the first one happening last Thursday around 5pm.

However, owing to the current dry whether spell, the same area re-ignited around noon yesterday destroying over 50 hectares of forest.

A team of 35 firefighters from Operation C, F, A and the special taskforce, stationed at the Berakas Recreation Park, were trying to control the fire from spreading through the 340-hectare reserve.

Two Blackhawks of the Royal Brunei Air Force, and three water tankers from the Public Works Department were pressed into service to control the fire, the officer in charge of Operation C of the Fire Services Department said.

Thick smoke blanketed the Berakas highway heading to Jerudong causing zero visibility. The haze, carried by the sea breeze, affected residents living as far as Jalan Muara.

Meanwhile, two separate bushfires were also reported yesterday in Seria and Kampong Sabun.

Due to current dry weather conditions, members of the public are strictly advised not to carry out open burning activities and to immediately contact the Fire Brigade hotline 995 if they spot any fire. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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