Sibu firefighters’ quick response contains wood-processing factory blaze
by Michael Ubam · Borneo Post OnlineSIBU (Feb 3): Firefighters successfully controlled a fire at a wood-processing factory on Jalan Upper Lanang here on Monday night, preventing it from spreading to nearby premises.
Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) Zone 4 chief Andy Alie said an emergency call on the incident was received at 10.56pm.
“The fire involved about 80 per cent of a permanent-structure factory building measuring approximately 100 by 65 square feet.
“The blaze was brought under control and did not spread to neighbouring premises,” he said when contacted.
Andy said no one was hurt in the incident as all 10 factory workers, comprising six men and four women, managed to escape safely.
Fire suppression was carried out using both offensive and defensive techniques to contain the blaze, he said.
“Sibu Central Fire and Rescue Station personnel deployed two hose lines measuring 300 feet with four nozzles, while Sungai Merah Fire and Rescue Station deployed four hose lines measuring 400 feet with four nozzles, drawing water from nearby fire hydrants,” he said.
Andy said overhaul operations are still ongoing at the time of writing as firefighters continue to extinguish residual embers found beneath piles of timber at the premises.
A total of 26 firefighters from the Sibu Central and Sungai Merah fire stations were involved in the operation, supported by two Fire Rescue Tenders (FRT), one Compact Fire Rescue Tender (CFRT), one Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) vehicle, and one pickup truck.
Police and Sarawak Energy Berhad personnel were also present at the scene to assist with safety and control measures.