The Borneo Post

Public warned not to light bonfires

- Yunus Yussop

BINTULU: The Bintulu Fire and Rescue Department has issued an urgent warning to residents here not to light bonfires especially during the current hot and dry season.

Bomba Bintulu chief Christus Buson said it is extremely dangerous to burn household rubbish without proper control and surveillan­ce.

“Prevention is always better than cure,” he told The Borneo Post when referring to a fire in Kampung Baru on Monday, which was caused by burning rubbish.

He pointed out it was very fortunate the uncontroll­ed bonfire of domestic waste did not cause any major damage to the

Any garbage burning activity must be closely monitored; if not it will pose a high risk of uncontroll­ed fires that can destroy the properties. Christus Buson

houses nearby.

During the incident, a wooden house almost caught fire after a bonfire was started underneath the house to burn rubbish.

“Any garbage burning activity must be closely monitored; if not it will pose a high risk of uncontroll­ed fires that can destroy the properties,” said Christus.

He said apart from causing breathing difficulti­es from the smoke, bonfires are very risky during this hot and dry season, and also annoying for other neighbours. He stressed residents should be more aware of the factors that cause fires and always be ready to respond to any emergency situation.

On Monday, Bomba received a distress call at 3.44pm regarding the uncontroll­ed bonfire.

However, upon their arrival at the scene, the bonfire had been extinguish­ed by the villagers.

 ??  ?? The aftermath of the uncontroll­ed bonfire under the house.
The aftermath of the uncontroll­ed bonfire under the house.

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