SRI AMAN – The Sri Aman Fire and Rescue Department has successfully extinguished a significant fire at the Lingga Waste Disposal Site, bringing an end to an operation that spanned several days.
The blaze, which covered approximately one acre of the landfill, was fully contained by Tuesday afternoon, 28 July 2026, following coordinated efforts with local authorities and contractors.
The emergency response began on Sunday, 26 July 2026, when the station received a distress call at 20:02 hours. The incident was reported by a member of the public, identified as En. Bob, who alerted authorities to the growing fire.
Given the remote location of the disposal site, situated 49 kilometres from the fire station, logistical planning was crucial for the deployment of resources.
Upon receiving the report, a team was dispatched under the command of PBK I (TBK I) Mohd FadhlI bin Buyong. The initial response unit included a Toyota Hilux and a Nissan Urvan van, carrying three firefighters.
Due to the scale of the incident and the challenges posed by the terrain, the operation required sustained effort over multiple days to ensure complete suppression of the flames.
Firefighters employed a “total flooding” technique to combat the deep-seated fire within the garbage piles.
This method involved using open water sources to drench the burning area extensively, ensuring that heat pockets were eliminated and preventing reignition.
A single stream with 300 feet of hose and two nozzles was utilized to maximize coverage despite the limited water availability at the site.
Collaboration with other agencies played a pivotal role in the success of the mission. The Sri Aman District Council (MDSA) provided an excavator operator to create firebreaks and improve access to the burning zones.
Three officers from the council and four officials from the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) were also present to assist in managing the environmental impact and overseeing the containment process. Two contractor personnel assisted with heavy machinery operations.
Operational challenges were significant throughout the duration of the incident. The main road leading to the Lingga site is currently under construction, which complicated the movement of heavy equipment and water tankers.
Additionally, the team faced issues with limited water resources and less than satisfactory coverage due to the nature of the waste material, which can smoulder internally for extended periods.
By 14:00 hours on Tuesday, 28 July 2026, the fire was declared completely extinguished. Only minor smoke was observed emanating from the debris, indicating that the core of the fire had been vaporised.
The creation of firebreaks and the thorough soaking of the area ensured that there was no further risk of the fire spreading to adjacent land.
The official operation concluded at 14:30 hours on the same day. Responsibility for the site was handed back to the Sri Aman District Council and the appointed waste management contractor for ongoing monitoring and cleanup.
The fire department stated that it would continue to monitor the situation remotely to ensure no resurgence of heat occurs.
This incident highlights the complexities of managing waste disposal fires, particularly in areas with infrastructure limitations.
The successful containment demonstrates the adaptability and perseverance of the emergency response teams in Sri Aman.
It also underscores the importance of inter-agency cooperation in tackling environmental hazards that require both firefighting expertise and heavy mechanical support.
Residents are reminded that waste fires can release harmful pollutants and pose long-term health risks. The swift action taken by the fire department and local councils helps mitigate these dangers.
Continued vigilance and proper waste management practices remain essential to preventing similar incidents in the future.
