BINTULU, 29 April 2025 – A room on the first floor of a building in Bintulu suffered about 10 percent damage after a fire broke out last night, believed to have started from a pile of rubbish.
According to the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) Operations Centre, they received an emergency call regarding the incident at 10.17pm.
Following the alert, a team from the Bintulu Fire and Rescue Station (BBP) was quickly dispatched to the scene, bringing along four fire engines to tackle the blaze.
Upon arrival, firefighters found a fire involving a garbage pile inside a room measuring 15 by 20 square feet, located within a larger 400 by 200 square foot building.
“The fire was successfully extinguished by five Emergency Response Team (ERT) members, using a 200-foot long fire hose connected to a hydrant and fitted with a nozzle,” JBPM said in a statement issued today.
Thankfully, the fire was contained to the rubbish pile and did not spread to affect the building’s main structure. However, one ERT member suffered minor injuries to his face while battling the fire. He was immediately sent to Bintulu Hospital for further treatment.
The operation highlights the swift action of the Bintulu fire brigade and the importance of having well-trained emergency teams on standby.
Authorities are reminding the public to be cautious with rubbish disposal, especially near buildings, as improperly handled waste can quickly become a serious fire hazard.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
