(Kuching, 3rd) — A massive fire broke out at an old tire factory and stockpile at Mile 9, Kuching-Samarahan Road, on October 29. As of November 2, the blaze has entered its fifth day, with firefighters still on-site working tirelessly to extinguish the remaining flames.
The Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) reported that about 90% of the fire has been successfully put out, with only a small amount of smoldering left at the bottom of the tire piles.
As of 3pm today, firefighters continue to carry out “overhaul operations,” using excavators to turn over compacted layers of tires and expose and extinguish deeply buried embers. They are also using water jets to spray and cool hotspots, preventing flare-ups.
Teams from Kota Samarahan, Siburan, Kota Sentosa, and Tabuan Jaya fire stations are involved in the firefighting operation, along with 14 volunteer firefighters from Simpok PBS (People's Volunteer Fire Brigade) and a private contractor providing an excavator at the site.
The main water source on-site comes from nearby fire hydrants, with a relay pumping system set up to ensure an uninterrupted water supply.
The department noted that the thick and dense accumulation of tires makes it extremely difficult to fully extinguish embers deep within the pile, with deep-seated burning continuing to pose challenges to the operation.
Authorities stated that efforts will continue until there is no more smoke or sparks at the site, after which regular patrols will be conducted to prevent reignition.
It is understood that the incident first drew attention on October 29, when large plumes of thick black smoke rose from the industrial area, alarming residents and triggering a massive firefighting response.
The Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) reported that about 90% of the fire has been successfully put out, with only a small amount of smoldering left at the bottom of the tire piles.
As of 3pm today, firefighters continue to carry out “overhaul operations,” using excavators to turn over compacted layers of tires and expose and extinguish deeply buried embers. They are also using water jets to spray and cool hotspots, preventing flare-ups.
Teams from Kota Samarahan, Siburan, Kota Sentosa, and Tabuan Jaya fire stations are involved in the firefighting operation, along with 14 volunteer firefighters from Simpok PBS (People's Volunteer Fire Brigade) and a private contractor providing an excavator at the site.
The main water source on-site comes from nearby fire hydrants, with a relay pumping system set up to ensure an uninterrupted water supply.
The department noted that the thick and dense accumulation of tires makes it extremely difficult to fully extinguish embers deep within the pile, with deep-seated burning continuing to pose challenges to the operation.
Authorities stated that efforts will continue until there is no more smoke or sparks at the site, after which regular patrols will be conducted to prevent reignition.
It is understood that the incident first drew attention on October 29, when large plumes of thick black smoke rose from the industrial area, alarming residents and triggering a massive firefighting response.