‘189ha of land destroyed by fire this year’
SIBU: Raging fires ravaged 189.13 hectares of land in Sarawak between Jan 1 and July 24 this year in 392 cases of open burning.
State Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) director Nor Hisham Mohammad said bush fire formed the bulk of the cases at 243 affecting seven hectares.
He, however, noted forest fires although accounting for only 20 cases, ravaged 149 hectares. Nor Hisham said there were 13 cases of garden/farm fire that affected 31 hectares while peat land fire recorded one case with fire burning 2.13 hectares.
“The highest number of cases of open burning was recorded in June with 66 cases (affecting 0.73 hectares), April 60 cases ( 54.2 hectares), July 60 cases ( one hectare), May 59 cases ( 30 hectares), Jan 57 cases ( 56.05 hectares), March 49 cases (12 hectares) and February 41 cases ( 25.15 hectares),” Nor Hisham revealed.
He pointed out that Miri had the
The highest number of cases of open burning was recorded in June with 66 cases (affecting 0.73 hectares), April 60 cases (54.2 hectares), July 60 cases (one hectare), May 59 cases (30 hectares), Jan 57 cases (56.05 hectares), March 49 cases (12 hectares) and February 41 cases (25.15 hectares).
highest number of open burning cases. Making comparison with the same period last year, he observed there was reduction in open burning cases.
“In 2016, there were 703 cases and 2,344.5 hectares were affected by the fire compared to 392 cases,” Nor Hisham pointed out.
Asked on Bomba’s preparation to face drought in view of the dry weather, he said the department was putting all logistics on standby to face any eventuality.
“The public are urged to cooperate by not making any open burning during the hot and dry weather,” he advised.
Nor Hisham Mohammad, State Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) director