KUCHING: The Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) is on the alert for any open burning during the dry spell in Sarawak.
Its director PKPjB Khirudin Drahman said Bomba recorded a total of 32 open burning cases as of Aug 1.
“We are constantly monitoring for any increase in cases of open burning.
“We have also instructed all fire stations statewide to remain alert and advise locals not to conduct any open burning during this hot spell hitting the state,” he said.
He assured that Bomba had no problem with logistics, adding that maintenance was regularly done on firefighting equipment in all stations.
Firefighters responding to an open burning case. 
Khirudin explained that during the dry season, majority of the farmers would do land clearing activities for farming.
“They often take a simple approach that is by burning because it’s way cheaper than renting equipment such as bulldozers and others to carry out the clearing activities.
“Hence, the public are strongly advised to avoid carrying out any open burning activities during this (hot) season,” he said.
If necessary, the public are requested to seek advice from the nearest fire station for a more controlled and safe method of open burning.
