Prioritise fire safety during festive preparation
SIBU: With kitchens set to see a hive of activity ahead of the coming Hari Raya and Gawai festivals, the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) has advised households to pay extra attention to fire safety.
Bomba Zone 4 chief Janggan Muling said residents need to take extra precautions, pointing to the recent fire that razed nine of the 20 doors of Rumah Unau Emoi, Nanga Jagau in Kanowit which was caused by cooking activities.
“The fire at this longhouse resulted in a loss of RM450,000 while Bomba managed to salvage RM550,000 in properties from going up in smoke. The cause of the fire was the gas appliances (cooking), which is why folks need to be careful at all times, in particular when cooking and boiling water, or carrying out barbeque,” Janggan said.
He said this when asked yesterday for Bomba’s advice to residents in longhouses and those in residential areas, in view of the coming Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Gawai Dayak celebrations.
He revealed that from January till May this year, only one longhouse fire was reported in Sibu Division. Additionally, he advised residents to keep a fire extinguisher at home or other means of extinguishing fire such as sand in addition to water.
Still on fire safety, Janggan pointed out that electrical wirings that had exceeded their lifespan of 15 years should be replaced. Adding on, he advised against using too many electrical appliances at one time to prevent overloading or resistance heating and short circuit.
“Parents must also keep an eye on their children so that they do not play with matches,” he reminded.
He urged the people not to be careless, forgetful or take things lightly, as such attitude could invite untoward incidents such as accidents, fires and others which could result in injuries or casualty in addition to property damage.