HARD WORK: A fireman dousing the fire to prevent it from spreading to the nearby timber store.
Eddy Zulkifli Abdullah
MIRI: The fast action taken by 15 firemen from Lopeng Fire and Rescue Station yesterday saved a timber store located along Lutong–Kuala Baram road from being devoured by fire.
The timber store’s manager, Michael Moh, spotted the fire burning bushes next to the store at about 1.30om, after which he immediately called for help from his workers before making a call to the fire station.
Lopeng fire chief Eddy Zulkifli Abdullah, when met at the scene, believed the fire could have been started by irresponsible individuals.
“This morning, we also went to put down fires at two other locations in Senadin and Permyjaya which were caused by open burning.
“So, we would like to advise the public not to do any open burning as this activity is illegal” he said.
About half an acre of bushes went up in smoke before the fire was doused, thus sparing the timber store of being burnt down.
“The strong wind made it a bit difficult for us to control the spread, but with three fire engines and fifteen men we finally managed to put out the fire,” he said.
No casualties were reported.