Firemen prompt action saves potential major hazard

MIRI: A potentially catastrophic fire has been averted on Tuesday afternoon when a lorry tanker carrying 35 tonnes of caustic soda liquid was subdued, thanks to the swift action by the firefighters.

The incident occurred while the tanker was en route to Bintulu from Miri. At approximately 12:30 pm, the Batu Niah fire station received an emergency call reporting that the tanker’s tires were engulfed in flames.

Twelve tires of the lorry tanker burst into flames, fortunately the driver, who was the sole occupant, managed to escape unharmed and no injuries were reported.

The firemen led by Batu Niah fire station chief Rary Binji responded promptly, as they arrived at the scene at 12:46 pm and swiftly initiated fire suppression efforts.

The team assessed the situation, acknowledging the dangerous cargo of caustic soda with a concentration of 48 per cent.

Using two 100-foot streams from the machinery pump, they managed to control the blaze on the tanker’s 12 tires and subsequently conducted a cooling process on the trailer tank to prevent the fire from spreading.

By 1pm, the fire was under control, subsequently the firefighters successfully extinguished it, which had contained 80 per cent of the affected area.

Fortunately, there was no chemical leakage reported from the tanker, averting a potentially hazardous spill.

The prompt and efficient response by the fire brigade ensured the situation was quickly brought under control, preventing any injuries or environmental damage.

Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.