KOTA KINABALU: A devastating fire broke out in Sabah’s south-western Papar district early Thursday morning, resulting in the death of approximately 6,500 chicks. Papar Fire and Rescue chief, Rozlan Osman, confirmed that an emergency call was received at 2.14am regarding the incident at Kampung Meligan. The department promptly dispatched a team of 10 firefighters and the Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) unit to the scene.
Upon arrival, the firefighters discovered a row of chicken coops spanning an area of 40x200sq ft, completely engulfed in flames. Rozlan Osman stated, “We immediately began extinguishing the fire”. Preliminary reports indicate that the estimated loss suffered by the owner of the chicken coops amounts to around half a million ringgit. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported in connection with the incident.
The firefighters managed to successfully control the fire by 3.09am, with the operation concluding within an hour. Investigations are currently underway to determine the cause of the fire. As of now, no definitive findings have been released regarding the incident.
This unfortunate event serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of livestock rearing and highlights the importance of fire safety measures in such facilities. It is crucial for farm owners and operators to adopt adequate preventive measures to ensure the safety of their livestock and property. Furthermore, early detection systems, such as smoke alarms, can play a pivotal role in minimizing damages caused by fires in farms and other agricultural establishments.
Fires in chicken coops pose significant risks due to the rapid spread of flames and the potential danger to both animals and humans. Therefore, it is imperative for farmers to implement fire safety protocols and regularly inspect and maintain their facilities to prevent fire incidents.
With this recent incident in Papar, it is expected that local authorities and agricultural associations will come together to raise awareness about fire safety practices in livestock rearing facilities. It is hoped that these efforts will prevent future fire-related losses in the industry and ultimately protect the welfare of the animals and individuals involved.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
