| James Kon |
THE Fire and Rescue Department (FRD) yesterday reminded the public to refrain from carrying out open burning particularly during the dry season, when fires can spread easily to forests and turn into huge blazes, especially when there are strong winds.
This advice came from Acting Senior Superintendent Haji Nordin bin Haji Buntan, the Commanding Officer of the department’s Operation Branch ‘F’, during a press conference at the Jerudong Fire Station.
Haji Nordin noted that the sharp drop in forest and bush fires in 2017 from 2016 is due to increased fire safety awareness among the public and developers of farms after attending fire hazard briefings by the FRD.
He revealed that in 2016, Operation Branch ‘F’ received 96 emergency calls on forest and bush fires, while only 33 calls in 2017. These fires, mainly caused by unmonitored open burning, resulted in the destruction of approximately 300.31 hectares of forest.
The forest fire hotspots under the jurisdiction of Operation Branch ‘F’ are the agricultural areas of Lampaki, Kampong Lugu, Bukit Ambok and farming project sites.
Haji Nordin highlighted that forest fires, besides destroying the natural environment, also create thick haze and adversely affect air quality, which in turn harms public health and reduce visibility while driving.
He added that as a measure to prevent and respond more effectively to forest fires, the FRD, through its branches and fire stations throughout the country, will carry out patrols at areas identified as fire hotspots.
According to the Fire Safety Order 2016 (FSO), Part I Chapter 2, it is an offence to spread or prolong a fire as it can endanger lives or cause damage to property. Under Part II Abatement of Fire Hazard No 16 of the Order, a notice can be issued to any individual found committing the offence according to the appropriate Sections.
Under No 56 (1) of the Order, compound fines up to BND1,000 can be levied against suspected offenders. For offenders charged under general penalties, their fine – if they are convicted – will be a sum not exceeding BND10,000 or imprisonment not exceeding six months, or both. If the offence is repeated even after a warning, the offender will be penalised with a fine of up to BND1,000 per day or part of this amount.
The public can report any incidences of forest or bush fires by calling the FRD at 995.
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