100ha forest fire in Sri Aman raises concerns over worsening haze

KUCHING: A blaze has consumed approximately 100 hectares of forest near Sri Aman, sparking worries that it could exacerbate the haze predicament in Sarawak due to smoke crossing borders. The inferno erupted around midday today on Jalan Kejatau-Lingga, with firefighters managing to douse around 20 hectares before putting operations on hold at about 7:50 pm.

A spokesman from the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department's operations control centre reported receiving an emergency call at 1:19 pm, which initiated a response from a seven-member team from the Sri Aman Fire and Rescue Station. The firefighters deployed at 1:35 pm, initiating firefighting efforts with water sourced from a nearby drain.

Water replenishment also came from tankers of the Rural Water Supply Department and the Betong Fire and Rescue Station, enabling the fire engines' water tanks. The firefighters also established firebreaks to thwart the flames' progression, assisted by an excavator from the Sri Aman Department of Irrigation and Drainage. The spokesman clarified that firefighting operations would recommence tomorrow due to darkness and the limited availability of water sources at the site.

However, the operation faced multiple challenges, including the absence of communication coverage, gusty winds that accelerated the fire's spread, scarce open water sources, and narrow roads that impeded fire engines' access to the affected regions. Meanwhile, Sri Aman reported an unhealthy Air Pollutant Index reading of 114 as of 9 pm today.