Fire related property loss down 8.1 per cent – Bomba

KUCHING: Property loss due to fire decreased by 8.1 per cent in 2017 compared to the year before, according to Fire and Rescue Department ( Bomba) state director Nor Hisham Mohammad.

He said a total of RM87.6 million worth of structures and vehicles were lost to fires last year, compared to RM95.4 million in 2016.

“Properties saved during fire on the other hand saw an increase of 14.7 per cent to RM211.9 in 2017, compared to RM184.6 million in 2016,” he added.

Nor Hisham said this after attending the department’s assembly at its state headquarters in Tabuan Jaya, here yesterday.

On a related matter, he said the number of fire cases involving longhouses in the state increased by six cases last year from 20 in 2016.

“The 26 cases ( last year) involved 331 doors and RM19.3 million in overall losses, which is a 30 per cent increase compared to RM15.9 million in losses for 2016,” he said.

He added that most of the fire cases involving longhouses were due to cooking activities and electrical issues.

Nor Hisham also revealed that there were eight fire cases last year involving buildings struck by lightning.

“This is why I urge construction contractors to install such system. Building owners who do not have such equipment should consider having it installed to protect their property,” he said.