Never say ‘it won’t happen to me’

OVER the past few weeks, the Sarawak community was rattled by a series of unexpected and devastating fire incidents.

Fires broke out in residential areas, shophouses, factories, and other high-hazard installations, causing extensive damage to properties and livelihoods.

The sheer scale and frequency of these incidents have left many questioning why such tragedies continue to occur.

Yet, the answer might lie closer to home than we think: a general belief that “it won’t happen to me” prevails.

Fires strike without warning, leaving destruction in their wake.

Despite frequent reminders about the dangers of fire, there’s a common misconception that it is a distant risk, something that happens to others.

But the truth is, fire is an uninvited guest that never takes a holiday.

It arrives unannounced, takes everything in its path, and shows no mercy.

The history of fires has repeatedly taught us that fire cannot be mastered or controlled without rigorous precautions in place.

The sooner we internalise this, the sooner we can protect ourselves and our communities from becoming the next tragic headline.

Statistics tell a grim story.

The incidence of fires, resulting in deaths and property destruction remain alarmingly high in Sarawak.

Many of these incidents are preventable, yet a lack of public awareness and engagement in fire safety continues to be a significant hurdle.

Fire prevention is not merely the responsibility of the authorities but requires the active involvement of the entire community.

Unfortunately, this sense of shared responsibility is still weak in many parts of the state.

One of the fundamental questions that arises is: Are we prepared to rise above our complacency and take charge of our safety?

The answer requires a cultural shift in how we view fire safety, emphasising three critical pillars: Precaution, Prevention and Protection.

Fire is one of humanity’s oldest tools, and while it has helped us evolve, it has also posed a persistent threat.

From 2018 to 2021, data on structural fires in Malaysia revealed that nearly 60 per cent were caused by electrical faults.

Furthermore, most deaths in fire-related incidents were not due to burns but smoke inhalation, often a result of trapped exits, blocked pathways or exposure to toxic gases.

The safety of building occupants depends heavily on design, construction and ongoing safety measures.

This brings us to the five critical components of total fire safety: Authorities, Designers, Builders, Inspectors and Occupiers.

Each of these stakeholders plays a pivotal role in ensuring fire safety.

The objectives of a Total Fire Safety approach in buildings, whether homes or commercial structures, are threefold: Life Safety, Property Protection and Environmental Protection.

The key to effective fire safety management lies in three major areas: Prevention Management, Fire Management and People Management.

These pillars must work in unison to reduce fire risks and ensure that if a fire does occur, it can be managed swiftly and effectively.

Prevention management involves proactive practices aimed at reducing the probability of fires and minimising their destructive effects.

Education is paramount. Communities must be aware of fire hazards and understand how to prevent them.

This includes the proper operation and maintenance of fire safety equipment, regular fire drills and effective communication during emergencies.

Fire safety education should also emphasise good housekeeping practices, such as ensuring that exits are clear, electrical appliances are in good condition, and fire safety systems (such as alarms and sprinklers) are in working order.

Enforcement of fire safety regulations, coupled with a robust engineering approach, ensures that fire hazards are mitigated before they become emergencies.

Fire management ensures that both passive and active fire protection systems are always in working order.

Passive fire protection includes elements such as fire-resistant walls and doors, while active systems involve sprinklers, fire alarms, and extinguishers.

The goal is to create a fire-resistant environment where occupants have time to evacuate safely, and the fire can be contained before it spreads.

A key aspect of fire management is ensuring that people know how to act during an emergency.

This includes clear evacuation plans and the ability to relocate people to safe areas within buildings, particularly in high-rise structures where full evacuation may not be immediately possible.

People management focuses on minimising the risks posed by unsafe actions, behaviours, and conditions.

Unsafe practices, such as overloading electrical outlets or blocking emergency exits, increase the likelihood of fires and endanger lives.

Education and regular fire drills are essential to remind occupants of the risks and teach them how to act responsibly in preventing and responding to fires.

In high-rise buildings, for example, it may not be feasible to evacuate all occupants during a fire.

Therefore, it’s crucial to have procedures in place to relocate people horizontally to safer areas within the building, known as “safe refuge,” areas, until they can be evacuated safely.

The management of emergencies and disasters, particularly fire-related incidents, requires a comprehensive, holistic approach.

Fire safety regulations must be enforced rigorously, especially among industry players, to ensure that buildings meet minimum safety standards.

The life safety of building occupants must be the prime consideration, achieved through proper means of escape, fire detection systems, and mechanisms for extinguishing fires.

Fire safety is not just a technical issue; it is a responsibility that belongs to everyone — authorities, communities, and individuals alike.

A resilient fire safety community can only be built through collective effort, raising awareness at all levels of society, and cultivating the knowledge and skills necessary to prevent fires.

To truly transform Sarawak into a fire-safe community, we must shift the mindset that fire safety is someone else’s responsibility.

Every individual has a role to play. By fostering community fire safety champions and encouraging a sense of ownership over fire safety programmes, we can cultivate a culture where safety becomes second nature.

At Bomba Sarawak, the mission is clear: to create a safer environment, promote strategic partnerships, and enhance total fire safety throughout the state.

This vision can only become a reality through collaboration and a shared commitment to fire safety.

Together, we can ignite a fire safety revolution, ensuring a safer, more resilient future for the people of Sarawak and beyond.

Let us unite in this cause and embrace the promise of a brighter, more secure tomorrow.