Capital city experiences outbreak of bush fires

Bush fires broke out at Kampong Sumbiling, in the capital around noon yesterday, causing concern among residents and authorities. Photos of the blaze quickly circulated on social media, highlighting the severity of the situation. Firefighters and workers at Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas jumped into action to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading further into the park, demonstrating their quick response and dedication to protecting the community.

The occurrence of bush fires in Brunei Darussalam has been exacerbated by excessively hot weather conditions in several areas of the Sultanate. According to the Brunei Darussalam Meteorological Department’s statement on March 24, locations such as Labi, Batang Duri, Bangar, Lekiun, Lumapas, Bandar Seri Begawan, and Anggerek Desa have been experiencing unusually high temperatures. Additionally, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Pekan Tutong, Sinaut, Benutan, and Brunei International Airport have also recorded abnormally hot weather patterns.

The lack of rainfall in recent months has further contributed to the dry and hot weather conditions, with the Meteorological Observation Station at the Brunei International Airport reporting only 5.6 millimetres of rainfall, significantly below the normal value of 143.4mm for the month. As a result, daily maximum temperatures have been hovering between 33 degrees Celsius and 36°C, creating a conducive environment for bush fires to ignite and spread rapidly.

In light of these circumstances, the Fire and Rescue Department (FRD) has issued a warning to the public to refrain from open burning, as it poses a significant risk of causing large-scale fires. Residents are advised to take precautions such as trimming grass at their residences to prevent fires from spreading quickly and avoiding leaving flammable materials exposed to the sun. Additionally, individuals are urged to be cautious of wild animals or poisonous reptiles fleeing from bush and forest fires and to extinguish any small fires promptly without putting themselves in danger.

In the event of bush and forest fires, the public is encouraged to contact the FRD at the hotline 995 or Darussalam Line 123 to report incidents of open burning and seek assistance. By raising awareness about the dangers of bush fires and promoting responsible behavior, authorities aim to mitigate the impact of such incidents on the environment and the community. It is crucial for residents to remain vigilant and take proactive measures to prevent and address bush fires, ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals in Brunei Darussalam.