7.5 hectares of forest fire Stolport Bubuling has been extinguished

BETONG, Sept. 17: A total of 7.5 out of eight hectares of forest burned in Stolport Bebuling, Spaoh has been successfully extinguished as of the fifth day of today's blackout operation.

Betong Fire and Rescue Department (BBP) announced that operations started on September 13 are still underway to extinguish the 0.5 hectare fire.

A total of nine bombers were deployed to the site with the power of one FRWT engine, a Hilux and an EMRS.

According to the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) Sarawak's Operations Movement Centre (PGO), the morning operation involved Team 1 conducting extinguishments in the interior of Sector A using spray tanks, while Team 2 was firefighting in Sector B using open water sources from the ditch.

"In the afternoon, both teams continued the blackout in Sector D using a single pump unit with a flow of about 1,000 feet, with water supply from the dam.

"The FRWT plant is also taking water from the bomb pits in the Stolport area to support the blackout operation", the statement said.

The operation faces limited water resources challenges, particularly dependence on trench water, as well as remote bombing distances from the fire area.

The blackout was also aided by 11 members of RELA, 10 members of the Malaysian People's Defence Force (APM) and a Kobelco machinery.

At 3pm, Deputy Prime Minister of Sarawak, Datuk Amar Douglas Ugah Embassy also visited the scene to review the ongoing blackout operations.

The operation was headed by the Chief of BBP Betong, PPgB Muhd. Badrulamin of Mohd. Fodzi and continue until the remainder of the fire area is completely extinguished.