SHAH ALAM, March 22 — The number of fires during the fasting month rose to 172 from 106 the previous month, including blazes that broke out from firecrackers, said Selangor Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) director Dato’ Wan Md Razali Wan Ismail.
He said most of the cases were open burning or fires at buildings.
“Compared with a normal month, the number of cases rose throughout Ramadan, among them due to hot weather that gave rise to bushfires. Mid-Ramadan last year, fires were also reported at the Kuala Langat Forest Reserve.
“Investigations revealed that building fires were due to firecrackers, but these incidents were not fatal,” he told Media Selangor.
Meanwhile, Wan Razali said Selangor JBPM will mobilise eight new Fire Rescue Tender engines to boost rescue operations throughout the festive season.
“We are fully prepared with 80 per cent of personnel from 38 stations on duty throughout the festive season. The addition of these eight new engines is to strengthen preparedness, especially in rescuing crash victims,” he explained.
Previously, he said only 20 per cent of Selangor firefighters were granted leave for Aidilfitri, while the rest would be on duty to maintain optimal preparedness.
According to him, personnel at fire stations were allowed to take rotational leave days to ensure emergency operations go smoothly.
Wan Razali added that the state’s 38 fire stations would operate around the clock in the event of emergencies during Aidilfitri.
