KUCHING – A small garbage fire that broke out close to a factory in the Bintawa industrial zone was swiftly brought under control and extinguished by firefighters on Wednesday early noon.
The Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department operations centre received an emergency call at around 1 pm about a blaze involving piled-up waste materials at the fringe of a factory compound along Jalan Bintawa. A team from the Tabuan Jaya fire station (BBP Tabuan Jaya) was dispatched immediately.
Upon arrival, personnel found a large heap of discarded wood, plastic packaging and general refuse well alight, with flames rising several metres. The fire was contained swiftly and fully doused shortly afterwards, preventing any spread to the adjacent structures.
No injuries were reported, and the factory’s operations were not interrupted. A department spokesperson confirmed that the cause remains under investigation. “The fire was confined to the rubbish pile and did not affect any other structure. Our personnel acted quickly to contain it,” the spokesperson said.
The blaze generated thick black smoke visible from a few hundred metres away, but no residential neighbourhoods were affected. As a precaution, a small number of factory workers were briefly evacuated and allowed back once the all-clear was given.
One fire engine and six firefighters from Tabuan Jaya station were deployed. They used a hose reel connected to a hydrant located near the factory entrance to bring the flames under control. Overhaul operations followed to ensure no hotspots remained, and the crew stayed on scene for approximately an hour to prevent re-ignition.
The department confirmed no chemicals or hazardous substances were involved. The swift response was made possible after a member of the public dialled the MERS 999 emergency line, and the first responders arrived within ten minutes of the call.
Bintawa is known for a mix of light industrial and warehousing facilities, where improper waste disposal can present fire risks.
Authorities have reminded businesses and residents to manage refuse responsibly and to avoid accumulating combustible materials close to structures. Open burning is also prohibited under local environmental regulations.
The department’s fire investigation unit is looking into possible causes, including whether a carelessly discarded cigarette may have ignited the rubbish. The local council has been alerted to clear the remaining debris to prevent a recurrence.
This was the second minor rubbish fire recorded in the Kuching area this week, following a similar incident in Pending on Sunday. The department is urging the public to stay alert during the ongoing dry spell, which can heighten the likelihood of such fires.
The factory, believed to be engaged in food processing, remained fully operational throughout the incident. The department praised the caller’s quick action and reiterated the importance of immediately reporting any signs of fire to the 999 hotline.
