LIMBANG – Firefighters continued efforts to contain a peat and scrub fire affecting about five acres in Kampung Bangkuati, Limbang, on Thursday, 13 August.
The fire involved a peat forest and part of a resident’s garden area. Firefighting teams remained on the ground to control the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby areas.
The operation used three water streams, two dividing breaches and five nozzles. Water was drawn from drainage channels to support the firefighting effort.
Firefighters used both direct attack and total flooding techniques as part of the operation. These methods were deployed to tackle the fire and manage areas where burning peat could continue to smoulder beneath the surface.
A fire break was also created around the affected area to help limit the movement of the fire. Such measures are particularly important in peat areas, where underground burning can persist even after visible flames have been reduced.
As the operation progressed, smoke remained visible, and several peat hotspots were still detected. The presence of these hotspots meant crews continued to monitor the area rather than considering the incident fully extinguished.
The firefighting operation was subsequently postponed and is scheduled to resume on Friday, with teams expected to continue monitoring the remaining hotspots and smoke.
A total of 13 personnel were involved in the operation. The team was led by Operation Commander PgB Ramlan bin Marajan, with PPgB Mohd Khuzir b Azman serving as Head of Operation.
Several vehicles and operational assets were deployed, including a Fire and Rescue Tender (FRT), Volunteer Firefighter vehicle (VOL), Triton, Hilux and Volunteer Fire Rescue Vehicle (VFRV).
The continued presence of smoke and peat hotspots remains a focus for firefighters as operations are carried forward. Crews will need to assess conditions on the ground before determining whether the remaining affected areas have been fully brought under control.
The use of drainage water, fire breaks and different firefighting techniques reflects the operational challenges associated with peat fires. Unlike surface fires, peat fires can continue smouldering below ground and may require sustained monitoring even after visible flames have disappeared.
The Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM Sarawak) said its teams would continue working to protect residents and prevent the fire from spreading.
With firefighting efforts scheduled to resume, the operation at Kampung Bangkuati remains ongoing as crews address the remaining smoke and hotspots in the affected peat area.
