KUCHING: The Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department is urging the public to stop open burning activities during the current hot weather.
This comes after the state recorded a sharp increase in fires in the last three days.
The department's director Jamri Masran said 49 open burning cases were recorded statewide since July 1, including 10 cases on Saturday (July 11) and 11 on Sunday (July 12).
Kuching and Miri divisions recorded the highest number of cases to date with 15 and 11 respectively.
"The number of cases is still under control and at a stable level.
"However, we are concerned that the cases may keep increasing and cause smoke pollution if the situation is not controlled or the public lacks awareness during the hot and dry spell," he said in a statement on Tuesday (July 14).
Jamri said the department had made preparations to face the Super El Nino phenomenon which was expected to occur this year.
He said logistics preparedness had been strengthened to prevent fires, especially open burning cases.
"We have deployed our land and air assets to locations identified as high risk," he said.
He added that the department was working closely with the Environment Department and Natural Resources and Environment Board to ensure action would be taken against individuals or companies committing open burning offences.
