KUCHING: The Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) has stepped up the deployment of ground and aerial firefighting assets across the state following a recent spike in open burning incidents as Super El Niño conditions continue to grip the country.
State Fire and Rescue Department (BOMBA) director Jamri Masran said the department has intensified its operational readiness by strategically positioning personnel and assets at existing and newly identified fire hotspots to reduce the risk of larger outbreaks.
Monitoring records since July 1 showed a sharp increase in open burning cases over the three day period from July 10 to 12, with Kuching and Miri recording the highest number of incidents among all divisions.
“Although the overall situation remains under control and stable, we are concerned that the number of cases could continue to increase if open burning is not stopped and the public fails to remain vigilant during this period of hot weather,” he said in a statement today (July 14).
Jamri warned that continued open burning could worsen smoke pollution, affecting public health and disrupting daily activities.
He urged the public to refrain from any form of open burning throughout the current dry spell to help prevent unnecessary fires.
He said Bomba will also continue working closely with the Department of Environment (JAS) and the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) to ensure appropriate enforcement action is taken against individuals or companies responsible for open burning that harms the environment.
