By Nancy Nais
SRI AMAN, Sept 24: The forest and peatland fire at Kampung STC has finally been extinguished after eight days of firefighting operations.
The massive blaze had consumed more than 400 acres and also contributed to severe and hazardous air quality, up to 417 API (air pollutant index) last week.
Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) assistant operations director Tiong Ling Hii said with the help from other agencies such as Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) and the Civil Defense Force (APM) who assisted with manpower and assets, the firefighting operations have now move on to other areas nearby.
The more than 60 firefighters from several fire stations in the state were greatly assisted by MMEA which conducted three days of water bombing operation using a Bombardier CL-415 aircraft.
To-date, the aircraft has scooped and discharged a total of 108,000 litres of water at Kampung STC.
Bomba also deployed its MI-171 helicopters to douse the blaze on Sunday.
Tiong said the firefighting personnel from STC, two prime movers used to pump water from Batang Lupar river, two FRT fire engines, and seven excavators used to create fire breaks have now moved to two other areas to assist their comrades.
The remaining areas left to cover are Kejatau-Lingga, Jalan Tisak in Betong and Jalan Beting Maro in Pusa.
Meanwhile, MMEA in a statement said today’s operation at Kejatau-Lingga was 90 percent successful.
“The aircraft began its operations at 9am, conducted five scoops at Batang Lupar river and drops over 2.5 hours, dumping a total of 30,000 liters of water to bring the fire under control,” the statement said.
They also revealed that fishermen from three small fishing boats were seen putting nets across the river where the aircraft was supposed to land to scoop water.
“These fishermen actions shows that they don’t care and disregard the presence of aircraft to carry out fire fighting operations.”
The aircraft will continue water bombing operations again tomorrow. — DayakDaily
