SIBU: Firefighters had to be called in to douse the flames after a fire lit during a prayer paper burning ceremony for the Hungry Ghost Festival went out of control at Bulatan Dr Wong Soon Kai here on Wednesday night (Aug. 26).
The incident, which occurred opposite a specialist medical centre, prompted the Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) to be contacted to prevent the flames from spreading to nearby areas.
The fire is believed to have broken out during a prayer paper burning ceremony held in conjunction with the 15th night of the seventh month of the lunar calendar, when the flames suddenly flared up.
The incident also caught the attention of Sibu Municipal Council Chairman, Clarence Ting Ing Horh, who reminded the public not to take safety lightly when conducting religious ceremonies involving fire.
In a video posted on his official Facebook account, Ting said the hot and dry weather conditions currently affecting Sibu could increase the risk of fires, particularly in open and public areas.
He also expressed his appreciation to the firefighters for their swift action in bringing the fire under control and extinguishing it before it could spread further.
Members of the public conducting prayer paper burning ceremonies are advised to take necessary precautions and ensure that fires remain under control at all times.
Ting also urged those carrying out such activities to have fire extinguishers readily available as a precautionary measure in the event of an emergency.
The warning is particularly important amid the prevailing dry weather, which could cause fires to spread more quickly and pose a risk to public safety and surrounding areas.
