A bush fire was seen along the roads of University Brunei Darussalam (UBD) and along the roads at the Civil Service Institute (IPA), behind houses at Kampung Lambak Kiri and Kanan, Jalan 3 at Kampong Rimba and STKRJ.

The cause of the fire was possibly due to the dry weather and open burning.

The Fire and Rescue Department received a call at around 9am yesterday and quickly rushed to the scene.

More than 50 firefighters in eight fire engines from Lambak Kiri and Kanan, Jerudong, Berakas, Bandar Seri Begawan and Beribi stations led by Superintendent of Fire and Rescue, Ranee bin Hj Othman, rushed to the scene.

The fire could be seen from the highway leading to UBD and Jerudong but visibility was low. Two helicopters from the Royal Brunei Air Forces assisted in putting out the fire which had destroyed more than 100 acres.

At 6pm yesterday afternoon, the air quality in Brunei-Muara, Temburong and Tutong was good as the PSI readings were 39, 41 and 34 respectively. In Belait District, the air quality was moderate with a PSI of 65, the Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation said.

The public can contact the Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation for any complaints on open burning through hotlines 8999900 / 8837751 / 8837741 and query on the air quality by contacting 2383222 extension 514 during office hours.

The public can also access and obtain the PSI readings online at www.env.gov.bn, and for more information on health guidelines, the public can access the website at www.moh.gov.bn. 

By Edwin Eng