The current dry weather, which has led to many forest and bush fires, is expected to last well into May before a pronounced change in pattern will bring some relief from the heat.

The nation is also experiencing haze due to the increase in the number of bush fires both locally and in neighbouring countries. According to the Brunei Meteorological department, the North-North Easterly wind is currently transporting haze from Sabah as well as from the Philippines.

The department has further stated that the nation’s weather is expected to remain hot and dry with occasional showers until seasonal changes take effect. A reported 300 hectares of forest have been destroyed this year alone due to forest fires.

Most have been brought under control by the Fire and Rescue Department before they could grow bigger. The department has also seen a surge in emergency calls on forest fires. Yesterday, the Fire and Rescue department received a distress call around 6pm on a forest fire in Simpang 216 Kampong Mentiri. The fire brigade dispatched to the area brought the fire under control.

Meanwhile, according to the Acting Director of Forestry, Mahmud Hj Yussof, his department will continue to support the Fire and Rescue Department in battling forest fires and has taken action by building firebreaks as well as natural dams for storing water.

The Forestry department has also been organising public awareness campaigns on the importance of protecting the forests and hopes that the department’s efforts will create a society that is more responsible by not aggravating the situation further by lighting fires in tinder dry forest areas.

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