By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Nov 2: Firefighters are continuing efforts to fully extinguish a large fire involving a used tyre factory and piles of discarded tyres at Batu 9, Jalan Kuching–Serian — five days after the blaze first broke out on Oct 29.
According to the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), about 90 per cent of the fire has been successfully put out, with only small pockets of smouldering areas remaining at the base of the tyre piles.
As of 3pm today, firefighters were still carrying out overhaul operations, using an excavator to dig through compacted tyre layers to expose and extinguish hidden embers. Direct attacks with water and cooling of hotspots are also being carried out to prevent reignition.
The firefighting operations involve personnel and fire engines from the Kota Samarahan, Siburan, Kota Sentosa and Tabuan Jaya Fire and Rescue stations, with 14 members of the People’s Volunteer Fire Brigade (PBS) Simpok and a private contractor with an excavator assisting on site.
The main water source is being drawn from a nearby fire hydrant, with a relay pumping system established to ensure continuous water supply.
Bomba noted that the thick and densely packed layers of tyres have made it difficult to completely put out the fire, as embers continue to burn deep within the piles.
Operations will continue until there are no more signs of smoke or embers, and the area will be monitored periodically to prevent any possible reignition.
The incident initially drew attention on Oct 29 when plumes of thick black smoke were seen billowing into the sky from the industrial area, prompting a large-scale firefighting effort. — DayakDaily
