Minister of Home Affairs Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman provided updates on the Fire Department’s operations and improvements, addressing a query raised by appointed members during the 21st Legislative Council meeting on Wednesday.
Currently, the Fire Department operates 107 fire engines and vehicles, alongside 12 boats used in various emergency situations. The country has 24 fire stations, with each station housing at least 2 fire engines. These resources are essential for responding to house fires, road accidents, and conducting search and rescue operations.
A significant ongoing project aims to improve the readiness of these Fire Department assets. The Minister highlighted the successful leasing agreement signed on April 20, 2023, between the government and Brunei Engineering Logistics and Training Solutions (BELTS), for 30 new heavy-duty fire engines, specifically water tender ladders. This 22-year lease agreement will replace outdated engines and ensure optimal performance.
The new fire engines are expected to significantly improve the Fire Department’s serviceability, guaranteeing a 100 per cent readiness rate. The phased delivery of the fire engines will begin in October 2025, with the first 10 vehicles set to be supplied, followed by the remaining units in subsequent years. This initiative will also help reduce downtime from maintenance and repairs.
Additionally, the Minister announced a fire hydrant replacement project to ensure a reliable water supply for firefighting operations. Of the 700 fire hydrants identified for replacement, 350 have already been replaced during the 2024-2025 financial year, with the remaining hydrants slated for replacement in the coming financial years.
These updates reflect the government’s commitment to enhancing the capabilities of the Fire Department and improving emergency response services across the country.
To enhance operational capacity, the Fire and Rescue Department has allocated funds for the purchase of various emergency equipment essential for rescue and firefighting tasks. Among the equipment being procured are portable pumps, hose nozzles, and beating apparatus, which will be supplied on an ongoing basis to ensure readiness.
As part of efforts to improve community safety, the department has distributed six units of fire extinguishers to village heads and longhouse chiefs in several locations. This initiative will be rolled out gradually to ensure broader coverage across communities.
In addition, under the 12th National Development Plan, the Fire and Rescue Department has secured the acquisition of four Light Fire Attack Vehicles (LFAV). These vehicles, designed for rapid response in various emergency situations, are especially suited for areas that are difficult for conventional fire engines to access. With their lighter and more flexible design, the LFAVs will expedite response times and enhance the effectiveness of both rescue and firefighting operations.
These initiatives reflect the department’s commitment to strengthening emergency response capabilities and ensuring the safety of the public through improved preparedness and equipment. – Fadley Faisal
