by DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, May 11: Strong winds and dry weather have fuelled a massive fire that has scorched more than 300 hectares of sago plantation in Sebakong, Mukah.
According to a report by TVS, the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) said the fire which was first detected last Friday around sectors C25 and C26, initially covered just 12 hectares but quickly escalated due to adverse weather conditions.
Firefighting efforts, led by operations chief Nicholas Belulin from the Mukah Fire and Rescue Station, involved the use of floating water pumps, two 500-foot hose lines, and open water sources from drains at the plantation area.
“The operation faced difficulties due to the shallow water level and strong winds,” he said in a statement late last night.
Continuous patrols and monitoring have been carried out by firefighters since early Saturday morning to monitor the development of the situation.
“Nearby settlements, including Kampung Sitieng, which is located about five kilometres from the fire location, are still safe and unaffected.
“The ditches in the area also act as a natural barrier or ‘fire break’,” he added.
The fire department also advised residents in the area to remain vigilant and immediately contact the authorities if the situation worsens.
Meanwhile, the fire department has asked the estate management to monitor and report the latest status and take control measures. – DayakDaily
