Sabah Fire and Rescue Department director Nordin Pauzi said according to their call records, the department had received a total of 759 calls pertaining to bush and forest fires in the state in March.
“This breaks down to at least 25 cases per day, which is equivalent to one case per hour,” he said on Friday.
“The figures do not include the burning of buildings or properties.
“This is extremely worrying and are wearing down our men, as they have to be on standby every second to ensure that each call received is attended to for the safety of the community,” Nordin said.
He said that with limited manpower and utilities, the department has to be smart and fast in attending to fires, as each case could take up to two hours of a team’s time on average, and could even last for days for more serious incidents.
He said that the worst case of forest fire happened in Tuaran recently involving some 60 acres of land, of which the fire control operation lasted for four days.
“Imagine what would have happened if such cases continue and worsen, there may even be loss of lives,” he said.
“We hope people would refrain from burning in the open or throwing cigarette butts everywhere.
"Those who see a bush fire can also help in putting out the fire before it spreads and becomes uncontrollable,” Nordin added.
However, he said the department would continue to do its best to ensure the safety of the people.
The Meteorological Department is expecting the dry season to continue until the end of April.
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