Sarawakians aspire to be fire safety champs
THIS week, I want to explore how Sarawakians have responded to the total fire safety programme and its impact on their daily lives.
The people of Sarawak are determined to become champions in fire safety, covering their homes, workplaces, and the environment.
This drive is especially important because public attention to fire safety often fades within four to five years after major disasters or fires, leading to recurring tragedies.
Despite the clear importance of fire safety, many still neglect necessary precautions, believing that disasters won’t happen to them.
Only those who take proactive safety measures can effectively protect themselves and their families.
In my previous articles, I’ve stressed the significance of the 3P concept — Precaution, Prevention, and Protection — for fire safety.
When these measures fail, it’s usually because people have overlooked these fundamental principles.
Furthermore, the “3L” syndrome — forgetfulness, carelessness, and negligence — contributes to this failure.
Looking at the latest statistics, the State Fire and Rescue Department (BOMBA Sarawak) received 10,491 calls last year, with nearly 20 per cent (2,090 cases) related to structural fires.
Although there has been a decrease, domestic fires remain alarmingly high.
The average national response time is below 10 minutes, which is commendable considering the vast size of Sarawak.
On a positive note, we have managed to reduce losses by engaging the community proactively, creating fire champions who respond effectively within the critical first five minutes of an incident.
Statistics show that estimated losses dropped from almost 18 per cent in 2021 to 10 per cent in 2022.
Last year, we successfully saved 95 per cent of properties from accidental fires.
These achievements are a result of our comprehensive 5E golden circle programme, which includes initiatives like Celik Suri, Fire Point, Bomba Komuniti, Kita Selamat Programme, Cert, Kelab 3K, 1RAPI and public fire safety campaigns featuring demonstrations and exhibitions.
Our most successful approaches involve educating and empowering local actors to manage incidents and prevent minor situations from becoming major catastrophes.
However, a significant challenge lies in how the media portrays fire incidents.
Often, the media sensationalizes news, focusing more on dramatic losses than on positive preventive actions or successful mitigation efforts.
This approach undermines our efforts to change the public’s mindset towards fire safety.
By highlighting successful preventive actions and the stories of those who have effectively protected their properties, we can provide powerful examples for the community.
Disaster and incident preparedness are crucial measures implemented by the Fire Department to educate the community about preparedness and response capabilities.
The primary goal is to prevent and minimise the impact of incidents or disasters.
As always, I emphasise that the first five minutes of an incident are critical in determining the effectiveness of the response and minimising severity, thus facilitating a quicker return to normalcy.
Lack of preparedness often leads to chaos, blame and finger-pointing.
Those who understand and practise fire safety measures not only benefit from a safer environment but also contribute to a broader safety culture that extends beyond community boundaries.
Addressing unsafe attitudes, behaviours and conditions can promote a total safety culture within our communities.
In my six years as the Chief of BOMBA Sarawak, I’ve witnessed significant improvements in community fire safety awareness.
However, there is still much work to be done, especially considering the vastness of Sarawak in terms of fire protection.
We need to change our mindset and prepare for the dangers we may face.
We want champions to emerge within the community who possess extensive knowledge of fire precaution, prevention and protection.
At the same time, understanding the “Get Out Alive” concept is crucial as it ensures that an individual’s safety is their responsibility.
Maintaining good housekeeping and a culture of smart maintenance in living environments, along with installing and maintaining early warning devices such as smoke or heat detectors, are worthwhile investments for families.
Investing in approved electrical equipment is also essential.
Remember, fire spreads in minutes, but smoke spreads in seconds. Smoke can be lethal and fire can destroy your property.
The choice to become a champion in fire safety is yours alone — not the Fire Department or the government. We decide what is best for ourselves.
Lastly, based on my 35 years of experience, I can assure you that those who learn and take action can ensure their safety.
Those who fail to do so will inevitably face failure.
Avoid unsafe attitudes, behaviours and conditions. Stay safe and be safe.
My motto, and that of BOMBA Sarawak, remains: “We want to see you before the fire, not after.”
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the New Sarawak Tribune.
