As someone who has spent years in the Fire and Rescue Department, or as we’re often called, “Abam Bomba”, I have seen firsthand the unique challenges we face here in Sarawak.
Our state is the largest in Malaysia, with a terrain that’s beautiful yet unforgiving.
Much of Sarawak is remote, with vast stretches of land inaccessible by road.
This isn’t just a logistical issue for Bomba — it’s a matter of life and death.
When a fire breaks out, every second counts, and reaching these areas can sometimes feel like a race against time.
Yet, fire safety isn’t solely on the shoulders of the government or our department.
It’s a shared responsibility, one that demands cooperation from everyone in the community.
For fires to be truly preventable, we need communities to understand that they are just as essential in tackling fire hazards as we are.
One of the biggest challenges we face is the delay in reaching fire scenes in rural and remote areas.
Without proper roads, our vehicles struggle to get through, and the distances between our fire stations only add to the delay.
In emergencies, these delays can be critical, especially in areas where fires spread quickly. The reality is that in some parts of Sarawak, it can take us much longer than we’d like to respond.
Another challenge we face is resources.
While we do our best with what we have, there are times when personnel or equipment may be stretched thin.
That’s why we have begun to rely on our partnerships with other agencies and, most importantly, on the strength of the communities we serve.
We’re not just responding to fires; we’re building relationships, training local leaders, and empowering people to take precautions.
Education, in my view, is one of the most powerful tools we have in fire prevention. I cannot emphasise enough the importance of awareness.
Bomba Sarawak is committed to conducting regular community outreach programmes, where we engage people in fire safety practices.
We discuss the risks of “3L” — lupa, leka, lalai (forgetfulness, complacency, and negligence) — and how small, unsafe acts or behaviours can lead to tragedies.
Simple things like good housekeeping and regular maintenance can significantly reduce fire risks.
Prevention starts at home, with each of us understanding our role.
In our outreach, we emphasise creating fire-safe neighbourhoods.
This involves working closely with schools, local leaders, and community organisations to develop emergency response plans and conduct regular drills.
We distribute pamphlets, run awareness campaigns through various media, and even encourage communities to establish local volunteer firefighting units — our “Bomba Komuniti” and “Pasukan Bomba Sukarela” initiatives.
These programmes are essential, especially for remote areas where help may take longer.
The first five minutes in a fire emergency are crucial, and by empowering communities, we’re equipping them to respond swiftly.
I want people to understand the science behind fire.
Fire needs four components — fuel, heat, oxygen, and a chemical reaction, known as the “Fire Tetrahedron.” Remove one of these, and you can stop a fire from spreading.
Knowing this can mean the difference between a controlled flame and a devastating blaze.
A fire can be extinguished by cooling it with water, cutting off its oxygen with a fire blanket, or removing its fuel source.
This knowledge isn’t just academic; it’s practical and can save lives.
Another essential concept is understanding how fire spreads — through convection, radiation, and conduction.
Heat travels upwards and then horizontally, meaning that anything in its path can ignite once it reaches its ignition temperature.
This knowledge helps us understand the risks in our surroundings, from our homes to the materials used in our buildings.
Some might wonder why fires happen to them, often only considering fire safety after a tragedy strikes.
After a big fire, people frequently ask where they can buy a portable extinguisher, but with time, they forget the urgency. I’ve seen this pattern many times.
Those serious about prevention often manage small incidents effectively, while those who panic become helpless.
As a community, we must accept responsibility for the safety of our homes and neighbourhoods.
It’s not just about having a fire extinguisher or an emergency plan; it’s about adopting a mindset that recognises fire safety as an ongoing commitment.
At Bomba Sarawak, we’re introducing programmes like “1 Rumah Satu Alat Pemadam Api” (One Home, One Fire Extinguisher) and “Celik S.U.R.I” (Preparedness for Household Risk Management) to encourage households to take basic preventive steps.
We’re also equipping remote villages with basic fire safety tools through the “Fire Point” programme.
To support these communities further, we’ve launched initiatives like “Bapa Angkat Pili Bomba,” where community members are assigned to care for fire hydrants, ensuring they’re operable during emergencies.
Through these programmes, we’re empowering Sarawakians to be more vigilant and proactive.
By creating local champions of fire safety, we’re building a network of “fire watchers” across the state — people who can spread awareness, assess fire risks, and even respond to minor fires.
Let me share one reminder: fire does not discriminate. It does not choose its victims, nor does it come with a warning.
It doesn’t take holidays, nor does it wait for a convenient time.
Fires happen, but together, we can prevent them. At Bomba Sarawak, we’re doing everything to keep our communities safe.
We collaborate with community leaders, share our knowledge, and build resilience within neighbourhoods.
But at the end of the day, the decision to take fire safety seriously lies with each of us. Remember that 99 per cent of fires are preventable, most stemming from human negligence.
The answer to fire safety lies in a shared commitment to precaution, prevention, and protection. Together, let’s make Sarawak a safer place for all.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the Sarawak Tribune.
