SANDAKAN: A bushfire involving six acres was reported near the road at Kampung Tinosa 1, Batu 7, here, on Tuesday.
A witness alerted the Sandakan Fire and Rescue Station (BBP) at 7.25pm.
Sandakan Fire and Rescue Station Chief Jimmy Lagung said eight personnel were dispatched to the location, some 12km from the station, arriving at 7.38pm.
He said the fire team extinguished the blaze using water from the fire engine, portable pumps and fire suppression tools.
“The operation was brought under control at 8.10pm and concluded at 8.28pm,” he added.
The firefighters had a tough time because of strong winds, the wide area of bush and inability of their vehicles to get close.
Also assisting at the scene were the police and Civil Defence Force (APM) personnel.
Jimmy advised the public to cease open burning or engaging in similar activities.
Under Section 29(A) of the Environmental Quality Act 1974, a maximum compound of RM2,000 may be imposed for each offence, a fine not exceeding RM500,000, imprisonment of up to five years, or both.
