Cultivating a culture of fire prevention

In recent weeks, Sarawak has been struck by a series of tragic events that have resulted in the loss of many lives — fires, drownings, and road accidents have cast a sombre shadow over the community.

These incidents prompt a crucial question: despite the continuous efforts of government agencies to promote safety, why do such disasters persist?

The answer lies in a deep-rooted issue that extends beyond mere chance — unsafe attitudes, behaviours, and conditions.

These elements often serve as the unseen culprits behind numerous devastating fires and deadly accidents that we witness.

Regardless of the number of awareness campaigns launched, if individuals and communities do not proactively prioritise safety, these tragedies will continue.

It is high time for each person to acknowledge the pivotal role he/she plays in altering these unsafe practices and safeguarding his/her well-being and the well-being of others.

BOMBA Sarawak, the state’s Fire and Rescue Department, faces a formidable array of obstacles.

The frequency of fires, fatalities, and property damage per capita remains alarmingly high.

This is not merely a firefighting issue but a broader concern encompassing emergency management and community readiness.

One of the major hurdles is effectively systematically overseeing emergencies and disasters.

There is a clear demand for enhancements in the management of emergencies, from the initial response to the eventual resolution.

Fire safety protection and emergency management necessitate a more comprehensive approach.

The preparedness and efficiency of firefighting services must progress in parallel with the escalating risk factors in the region.

Moreover, as Sarawak continues its industrial and urban development, there is a growing necessity to establish emergency management frameworks and technologies that align with these advancements.

Nonetheless, the primary challenge remains the lack of public awareness regarding comprehensive fire safety practices.

Community engagement in fostering a safety culture remains inadequate, emphasising the urgent need to cultivate a shared responsibility for fire prevention and control.

The burden of fire safety does not solely rest on the authorities or BOMBA; it is a collective responsibility that must be embraced by the entire community.

The 3P principle — Precaution, Prevention, and Protection — should be ingrained in the mindset of every individual.

This principle underscores the significance of taking preemptive measures to avert fires and safeguard lives and property.

To complement this, the 5E’s strategy — Engineering, Education, Enforcement, Emergency Management and Response, and Economic Incentive — should guide our collective mindset.

Engineering solutions can aid in designing safer structures and infrastructures, while education and enforcement ensure the effective implementation and adherence to these solutions.

Emergency management and response are crucial in lessening the impact of any fire that does occur, and economic incentives can incentivize individuals and businesses to adopt safer practices.

An essential message that must resonate with the public is that “firefighting is one person’s job, but fire prevention is everyone’s responsibility.”

This statement encapsulates the essence of community involvement in fire safety. It is insufficient to rely solely on firefighters to extinguish fires; each of us must take steps to prevent fires from igniting in the first place.

Sarawak has introduced various programmes aimed at enhancing fire safety, including KITA SELAMAT, CELIK SURI, BOMBA KOMUNITI, FIRE POINT, 1RAPI, and the CSR programme Komunitiku Sayangi.

These initiatives are designed to raise awareness, educate the public, and cultivate a safety-oriented culture within the community.

However, for these programmes to thrive, the community must take ownership of them.

Fire safety cannot be imposed externally; it must be internalised by each individual.

The objective is to construct a resilient community that is not only secure but also primed to respond effectively in the event of a fire.

Overcoming the “Why Me?” syndrome, a common response among fire victims, stands as one of the most significant challenges.

Many individuals believe that catastrophic fire incidents will not befall them, but when they do, they are left bewildered, questioning why they became victims.

This mindset underscores the necessity for a deeper comprehension of fire safety.

The fundamental knowledge of fire prevention and response remains surprisingly deficient among Sarawakians.

To address this, there must be a widespread initiative to enlighten the public about the science of fire.
Understanding the ignition and spread of fires is pivotal in preventing them.

Fires result from a swift oxidation process — a chemical reaction that emits heat and light.

This process can be dissected into four components: fuel, an oxidising agent, heat, and an uninhibited chemical chain reaction, often termed the fire tetrahedron.

Fires can be averted or suppressed by eliminating or controlling one or more of these components.
For instance, eliminating the fuel source or restricting the oxygen supply can halt a fire’s spread.

This fundamental comprehension of fire science is indispensable for those keen on proactively participating in fire prevention.

In residential areas, comprehending the factors influencing fire propagation holds particular significance.
Building design, material selection, and the arrangement of fire exits all influence the pace of fire spread and the ease of evacuation.

A unified strategy that anticipates incidents, safeguards lives and property, and responds efficiently forms the bedrock of effective fire safety.

Moreover, recognising the crucial role that smoke plays in fire events is vital.

While fires propagate within minutes, smoke spreads within seconds.

Smoke inhalation often proves a leading cause of fatalities in fires, surpassing the impact of flames.
Understanding this fact can prompt individuals to take necessary precautions to shield themselves and their loved ones.

The message is crystal clear: fire safety transcends mere firefighting; it revolves around averting fires from initiating in the first place.

It involves recognising the risks, undertaking essential precautions, and being prepared to swiftly and efficiently react if a fire does erupt.

The choice to champion fire safety rests with each individual.

It is not the exclusive responsibility of BOMBA or the government.

Each of us has a part to play in fortifying our community’s safety.

Whether through education, enforcement or merely assuming personal accountability for our actions, we can all contribute to diminishing the fire risk and safeguarding lives.

A comprehensive and unified effort is imperative to curtail fire incidents and ensure the safety of lives, properties, and the environment throughout Sarawak.

This approach is not solely about protection; it is about risk mitigation, loss minimisation, and ensuring that if fire strikes, its impact is mitigated to the greatest extent possible.

Fire safety is a shared responsibility.

By recognising the risks, taking proactive steps to mitigate them, and collaborating as a community, we can forge a safer, more resilient Sarawak.

Let us collectively act now to guarantee that our cherished Land of the Hornbills remains a secure and sanctified abode for all.DISCLAIMER:

The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the Sarawak Tribune.