By DayakDaily Team
LUNDU, Aug 20: A forest fire covering an estimated two hectares broke out in the Samunsan Forest Reserve in Lundu this afternoon, with firefighters forced to suspend operations as darkness fell.
The Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) Lundu responded to the emergency about 2.40pm, with a team of firefighters was immediately dispatched to the scene.
Operation commander PBK I Nelson Phang Siaw Ming said the fire was detected through drone monitoring conducted by the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC).
Firefighters then moved into the forest to assess the situation and carry out firefighting operations using fire beaters, while also obtaining information from SFC personnel.
However, operations were suspended at about 5pm as visibility at the location deteriorated due to darkness.
Bomba Lundu estimated the affected area at about two hectares, although no area had been confirmed extinguished at the time operations were suspended.
The firefighting operation was complicated by several challenges, including the roughly 1km access route from the main road to the affected area, the absence of a water source at the location and the hilly terrain.
Firefighters are expected to continue monitoring and assess the situation as operations resume. — DayakDaily
