The fire started at a waste pile on Sunday afternoon. The Marudi fire station received the emergency call at 2.26pm and sent five personnel with one CFRT fire engine. Firefighters used two hose lines, foam and breathing apparatus, while creating a firebreak to stop the flames from spreading.

The operation was paused at 6.30pm. At that point, none of the estimated 0.7-hectare fire area had been fully extinguished. The local authority planned to continue with an excavator and water tanker on Aug 24; the excavator operator was still outside Marudi when the operation was suspended.

The final status after the resumed operation was not yet confirmed. People near the landfill should avoid smoke, keep children away from the site and follow instructions from the local authority or firefighters. Anyone with breathing problems after smoke exposure should seek medical care.

Residents near the affected area should keep away from smoke, unstable structures and emergency operations. The cause, total loss and final clearance should be treated as pending until the responding authority confirms them.

Source: DayakDaily / Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department