Carelessness, Overloaded Sockets Blamed For Fires
By James Kon

Bandar Seri Begawan - Most fires in houses or buildings were due to the carelessness of individuals or overload on using a single electric socket, the Fire and Rescue Department said yesterday.

Loss of property due to fire is estimated at $2,679,865, according to statistics from January to September this year.

Total loss of property due to fire and other emergencies last year was recorded at $8,886,924. Property saved from fire was estimated at $3,589,000.

From January to September this year, the Fire and Rescue Department had received 171 emergency calls on fires (excluding bush and forest fires). Topping the chart is fire in houses with 48 emergency calls, and electrical fires leading to 46 emergency calls. Emergency calls for cars with the total of 34.

To prevent fire during the month of Ramadhan the public is urged to be cautious whilecooking and not to leave their cooking unattended, said Awang Chin Pok, head of Public Relations and Education Division, Fire and Rescue Department.

He advised the public not to overload electric sockets at homes or offices.

On discovering any smoke or fire, the public should contact the Fire and Rescue Department for an efficient response by fire-fighting teams.

Statistics up to September this year shows 587 emergency calls for capturing animals and 252 for fallen trees. Some 124 calls were made on fallen trees in August alone accounting for half of the total calls.

Emergency calls on car accidents with the total of 138 with 12 deaths and 214 people injured.

The Fire and Rescue Department last year recorded 284 emergency calls (excluding bush and forest fires) on fire. Calls on electrical fire (71) and car on fire (70), which totalled 141 calls, topped the list.

The 2005 figures showed 37 calls on building fires and 67 houses on fire. There were 35 rubbish fire calls and one gas fire.

The department received 715 emergency calls for capturing animals last year, and 336 calls for fallen trees.

Of the 162 emergency calls on road accidents, 23 deaths and 221 injuries were recorded in 2005.  -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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