Community fire brigades boost safety ahead of Gawai

The Star

26-05-2025

A TOTAL of 234 community fire brigades have been formed across Sarawak since 2021 to boost fire preparedness, especially in longhouses and remote areas.
Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) director Jamri Masran said the initiative has so far involved 2,981 volunteers, including 1,419 members from 98 teams based in longhouses, which are considered high-risk due to their wooden construction and rural locations.
'The community's involvement is very encouraging and proves that awareness of safety is increasing, especially among rural communities,' Jamri told Bernama.
He was speaking at the closing of the Gawai Dayak 2025 Festival Season Safety Campaign at the Pitre Abit Tayup Longhouse in Skim Bintangor.
He said the establishment of the community fire brigades not only increased the community's ability to deal with fires early but also strengthened cooperation between JBPM and local communities.
The role of community brigades, he said, became especially important during the Gawai Dayak festive season, which usually saw an increase in the risk of fires breaking out due to excessive use of electricity, open stoves, and uncontrolled burning.
'Longhouses are the cultural heritage of the Dayak community and a symbol of unity, but the flammable wooden structure makes them very vulnerable to fire hazards.
'With trained community fire brigades, response can be quicker and more efficient in emergency situations,' he said.
Jamri said the Gawai safety campaign aimed to raise awareness of fire hazards and foster a culture of prevention.
Activities held during the campaign included fire safety talks, emergency response training, and firefighting demonstrations.
'The knowledge and skills shared through this campaign serve as a valuable guide not only during the festive period, but in everyday life,' said Jamri.