By Nancy Nais
KUCHING, Sept 24: The state Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) has deployed its MI-171 helicopter for aerial firefighting operations at Batu Bungan in Mulu, this morning.
According to state Bomba assistant director (Operations) Tiong Ling Hii, there is no access to the fire site, therefore they had to deploy their air unit to douse the forest fire.
“The nearest source of water for the helicopter to scoop would be Sungai Tutoh or Kuala Melinau,” he said.
The aircraft, piloted by Capt Ahmad Fissol Ismail, departed at 11.50am from its air base in Miri.
“It will take about 40 minutes for the crew to reach Batu Bungan,” Tiong said.
Billows of smoke at Batu Bungan trail were spotted by the Penan villagers on Sunday, Sept 22. The fire can be seen along the Lagang Cave trail at an elevation of about 100m.
This morning, the forest fire was more visible from the village. — DayakDaily
