FRD celebrates 54th anniversary

In conjunction with its 54^th anniversary, Brunei Fire and Rescue Department (FRD) last Tuesday (1 April 2014, Tuesday) held a parade and appreciation day. The ceremony was held at the FRD Training Centre, Lambak Kanan.

Present as guest of honour was Yang Berhormat Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Hj Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Hj Othman, Minister of Home Affairs. Also present was Yang Dimuliakan Pehin Datu Lailaraja Mejar Jeneral (R) Dato Paduka Seri Hj Awang Halbi bin Hj Mohd Yussof, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, MoHA permanent secretaries Dr Hj Affendy bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Awang Hj Abidin and Dato Paduka Hj Abdul Majid bin Mangarshah as well as other FRD officers and guests.

The event started with the mass parade consists of male and female officers and personnel from all the FRD branches in the four districts followed by the speech by the guest of honour. The guest of honour then presented the awards to the exemplary fire stations as well as to the exemplary officers and personnel and members of public who contribute to FRD.

This ceremony concludes with the group photo session of the guest of honour and the FRD officers and personnel which forms the number 54 to symbolize the 54^th anniversary. The guest of honour, deputy minister and the permanent secretaries then greet the formation of the FRD officers and personnel who participate the parade.

Seria FS holds open station

Hundreds of Belait District residents last Wednesday (12 March 2014, Wednesday) flocked to the Seria Fire Station, Seria Town for the Open Station in conjunction with 54th anniversary celebration of the Brunei Fire and Rescue Department (FRD).

The open station was the continuation of similar event which was held on 9th March, present as special guest to the event was Awg Hj.Haris bin Othman, Belait District Officer. Also present was Senior Superintendent Fire Rescue (SSFR) Abd Azis bin Hj Mohammad, B Operational command commanding officer, Awg Hj.Jamail bin Hj.Linap, Penghulu of Mukim Seria, FRD officers as well as guest from Belait District government departments and private companies.

The event started with the guest of honour inspecting the parade of Seria Fire Station personnel followed by a group photo session. The guest of honour then viewed several programmes during the events such as the Senior Citizen care programme facilitated by Operational B command and Department of Community Development (JAPEM), Belait District for mukim Seria.

The guest of honor then continues to view the special exhibition with several themes such as fire engines and special appliances exhibition, fire safety, technical and high angle rescue, Hazardous Material (HAZMAT), water rescue and three exhibition from fire safety equipment vendors. The special guest also entertained by the special performance by FRD band as well as high rise rescue demonstration.

For the visitors various activities are held such as fun fair, life air pack jump, turntable ladder (TTL) ride, flying fox, exhibitions and band performance. The exhibition is held by several FRD sections such as Diving Unit (Berakas Fire Station), fire bikers, SPARK Sg Liang Fire Station and FRD band.

Meanwhile at other section of the station the Senior Citizen care programme which was held by B command (Lifesaver 995) and JAPEM Belait continues for the Mukim Seria. The event was facilitated by Dyg Noridah Ishak from JAPEM Belait and Station Officer (SO) Muhamad Ali Hassan. They were briefed on the facilities provided by JAPEM as well as fire safety at home and workplace. The senior citizen are also given chance to use the fire extinguishers and fire blanket to extinguish fire.

Community programme for Mukim Liang

A community programme for senior citizen was held this morning (5 March 2014, Wednesday) for Mukim Liang, Belait. The event was held with the theme “Kami Memeduli Biskita” (We care on you) at Sungai Liang Fire Station with cooperation from Operational B command Belait District and Belait Community Development Department (JAPEM).

Present at the event was Yang Berhormar Awg Hj.Shafiee bin Ahmad, Legislative Council Member who is also Lumut 1 village head, Senior Superintendent Fire Rescue (SSFR) Awg Abdul Azis bin Hj.Mohamad, Commanding Officer Operational B command, Hj.Abdul Hamid bin Hj.Mumin, Mukim Liang Penghulu as well as officers and staffs of Operational B command, JAPEM and invited senior citizens who are the recipients of Old Pension Scheme.

The event started with the group photo session followed by a dialogue facilitated by Dyg Noridah binti Hj.Ishak, JAPEM Belait community development officer, Dr Hjh Budi Rusitawati binti Hj Budi Ismardi, invited health speaker and Station Officer (SO) Muhamad Ali bin Hassan, Station Commander of Sg Liang Fire Station.

In the JAPEM Belait session the talk highlighted various services which are currently and planned for senior citizens in Brunei such as youth volunteers and senior citizens welfare. While Dr Hjh Budi Rusitawati deliver a talk titled “Sihat Sejahtera di Usia Emas” (Healthy although ageing) which call the senior citizens not to practice unhealthy lifestyle such as smoking, less or no exercice, unbalanced diet and others. She also stated that the senior citizen can stay healthy if they practice well balanced diet, exercise regularly and practice healthy lifestyle.

SO Muhd Ali Hassan deliver a talk on Brunei Fire and Rescue Department (FRD) responsibility to community such as responding to firefighting and rescue calls as well as special services calls. The senior citizen are also given knowledge on fire prevention such as to check their gas bank hoses for leak, fire sources such as candles, oil lamp, vegetation  burning and what to do in case of fire. A question and answer session were also held where the senior citizen rises several issues such as welfare, healthcare products and wild animal such as monkeys which sometimes entering houses.

The programme concluded with a practical session where the senor citizens were given chance to try themselves the fire extinguishers and fire blanket to extinguish fire. They also view themselves the latest fire engine in FRD fleet which are used by SPARK Sungai Liang fire station namely the Hazardous Material (HAZMAT) Tender, Rescue Tender (RT) and Emergency Tender (ET) which are specially exhibited for them during the programme.

Such programme are the continuation of community oriented programme held by Lifesaver 995 team Sg Liang fire station which participated in the Excellence Working Team (KKC). The programme will continue in all mukim in Belait such as Mukim Seria in Seria Fire Station (in conjunction with FRD 54^th anniversary fire station open house) Mukim Sukang, Melilas and Bukit Sawat at the Sukang Long House, Mukim Labi in Labi Fire Station before concluded on April in Mukim Pekan Belait.  

DCA holds signing and commissioning ceremony

The Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) last Saturday (9 November 2013) holds an agreement signing and commissioning ceremony for two of its projects namely the new Airport Rescue and Firefighting Vehicle (ARFFV) and commissioning of the new filling station for DCA vehicles. The ceremony was held today at the Airport Fire Service (AFS) Main Fire Station, Brunei International Airport. 

Present at the event as guest of honour was Yang Behormat Pehin Orang Kaya Hamzah Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdullah Bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Haji Bakar, Minister of Communication. Also present was Awang Abdul Mutalib bin Pehin Orang Kaya Seria Setia Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yussof, Permanent Secretary at Ministry of Communication, Awang Haji Idris bin Haji Mohd Ali, Deputy Permanent Secretary at Ministry of Communication as well as representatives from DCA, Public Works Department, Firesec Engineering and Services and Han SL Sdn Bhd.

The ceremony started with the recital of Al-Fatihah led by Imam of the Sungai Hanching Village Mosque followed by the speech from Awang Ismail bin Haji Suhaili, Acting Director of DCA. The ceremony the continues with the contract signing ceremony for the provision, acceptance testing, commissioning of one unit 6x6 12,000 liters ARFFV for DCA. Signing on behalf of His Majesty Government was Yang Mulia Awang Abdul Mutalib bin Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Setia Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yussof, Permanent Secretary of MinComm and Yang Mulia Awang Ismail bin Haji Suhaili, Acting Director of DCA in the presence of  Yang Behormat Pehin Orang Kaya Hamzah Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdullah Bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Haji Bakar, Minister of Communication. While signing on behalf of Firesec Engineering and Services were the company executives Pg Hj.Ahmad bin Pg Hj.Apong and Siti Aishah binti Abdullah.

The guest of honour and other guest then proceed to the nearby new DCA Fuel Station where the guest of honour and other guest performed ceremonial “menepung tawar” followed by the recital of the Doa Selamat.

The first project which is the supply of one unit 6x6 12,000 liters of Airport Rescue and Firefighting Vehicle (ARFFV) is part of the DCA replacement programme for its existing ageing vehicle. The new vehicles which is supplied by the Firesec Engineering and Services is the latest state of art Kronenburg CT009 ARFFV which is build by Kronenburg BV, Netherlands on special KME 6x6 truck chassis. Similar vehicle had already in service with established Europe and Asia airports around the world. The new ARFFV can carry 12,000 liters of water and 1440 foam. It also had a top speed of 105km/h with acceleration time 0-80km/h ~ 35 sec. The  new vehicle will join the existing ARFFV, fire engines and ambulance fleet operated by DCA AFS to provide enhanced safety features especially the aircrafts at the BIA and the BIA premises.

Meanwhile the second project which is the fuel station was managed bu the Department of Building Services, Public Works Department, Ministry of Development. It was build by Han SL Sdn Bhd in 10 months time. The fuel station which is equipped with a pumping machine will provide diesel and RON97 fuels for DCA vehicles as well as a facility for AFS ARFFV as before this they had to refuel at typical filling station and the ARFFV had to be escorted as its size is slightly large than typical fire engines.

Both projects are aimed to fulfill the department objective and commitment to attain the highest standards of aviation safety, security and efficiency through improved facilities as well as to ensure and maintain all compliance with the safety and security related provision in all safety annexes as required by standards of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

FRD held volleyball tournament

In conjunction with the fifth fire rescue sports meet this year the Operational E command of the Tutong District this morning held a volleyball tournament. The two day tournament was held recently (4 June 2013, Tuesday) at the Tutong Sports Complex multi purpose hall.

 Present at the opening match was Assistant Superintendent Fire Rescue(ASFR) Md Shazwan Suhainie, Deputy Commanding Officer of E command. Also present was officers and personnel from the four districts operational branches.

Among the objective of the tournament was to create awareness of healthy lifestyle among the firefighters and at the same time to bind ties and sharpen the potential of the FRD athletics for the regional firefighters sports meet. 

In the opening match all the participating teams played in full sportsmanship spirit. And the teams which managed to the finals will conclude the tournament on the upcoming Saturday 8 June. During the FRD fifth sports meet all operational branches and headquarters will held various games for the sports meet such as football, tug-of-war, badminton, ping pong and others. 

Meanwhile on Saturday 8 June, The Belait District Operation B command emerged as champion in the fifth Fire Rescue Department in conjunction with the FRD 2013 sports festival. The final of the two day tournament which started last Tuesday (4 June) was held at the Tutong Sports Complex Multi Purpose Hall.

Present as guest of honour to the final was Awang Haji Rosfazilah bin Haji Yusly, Head of the Tutong Youth and Sports Branch. Also present was senior officers and staffs of the fire rescue department.

The final match saw the Belait District Operation B command defeated the Tutong District Operation E command 27-14, 24-26 and 25-17. While the Special Squad Unit in the third place after the final tournament last Tuesday. The guest of honour then presented the medals and trophies to the winning teams as well as presenting token of appreciation to the invited referees.

The tournament saw the participation of 9 teams from FRD operation branches and unit. It is aimed to bind ties between all the participants as well as to create healthy lifestyle among the firefighters. 

7 hills challenge in Tutong

Brunei Fire and Rescue Department (FRD), today (11 May 2013, Saturday) once more held its Seven hills challenge (Cabaran Tujuh Bukit). This phase six challenge was histed by the FRD Operational E Command of the Tutong District. The event took place at the Sungai Basong Recreational Park.

Present as guest of honour to the event was Yang Behormat Awang Hj.Ramli bin Hj.Lahit, Legislative Council member who also the Penghulu of Mukim Telisai. Also present was the representatives from the government departments in Tutong District as well as officers and staff of the FRD.

The challenge which was held in conjunction with the 53 anniversary of FRD. Among the objectives of the challenge are to increase the teamwork and leadership spirit among the participating officers and firefighters as well as part of their operational capability readiness in facing daily incidents which require mental and physical fitness such as forest or building fire. 

The event started with the mass aerobic session which was followed by the launching of the 9 teams to the Bukit Ambok where each team carries fire hoses, standpipes and “paraguard” stretcher as part of the challenge. They also had to undergo the rough terrain which had been worsened by the heavy rainfall which occurred at the country few days back. Among the participating team were Operational Command A,B,C,D,E,F and G from the four districts as well as the FRD Headquarters and Special Squad team

The event concluded with the prize and medal presentation which was presented by the guest of honour to the winners. Operational F command emerged as champion while Operational A and Operational E on the second and third place respectively. The FRD director Awang Yahya bin Hj Abd Rahman also presented souvenirs to supporting agencies as well as to the guest of honour. 

Tutong Operation Capacity Drill

Residents and shoppers at Tutong Town this morning (11 March 2013, Monday) was shocked to see smoke rising from the no.10 shop at Jalan Enche Awang. This was followed by the arrival of firefighters from the nearby Tutong Fire Station to conduct firefighting and rescue operation.

However the scenario above was part of the operation capability drill series which was held in conjunction with the 53^rd anniversary of the Brunei Fire and Rescue Department (BFRD).

Present as special guest to witness the drill was Hj Ali bin Matyassin, Acting Chairman of Tutong Municipal Board. Also present was Yahya bin Hj.Abd Rahman, Director of Fire Rescue, senior officers from BFRD, Tutong Police District, Tutong District office as well as Tutong District penghulus and village heads and representatives from educational institutes and private sector.

The drill started with the recital of Al-Fatihah by the Tanjong Maya Mosque followed by the starting of the drill where a fire outbreak was reported to the Tutong Fire Station through BFRD hotline 995. Three fire engines and a fire boat with nearly 30 officers and firefighters from Tutong and Lamunin fire station was dispatched to the scene. Following the arrival of BFRD at the scene was police personnel from Tutong Police Station, paramedics from Tutong PMMAMB hospital and media representatives. The drill was coordinateda and led by Station Officer (SO) Yahya from the Tutong Fire Station.

During the drill the Tutong Operation E command showcases various firefighting and rescue techniques such as the ladder rescue, high rise firefighting using fire hoses and ground monitor and forcible entry gear for blocked windows. Among the highlight of the drill was the aerial rope rescue which was coordinated by a group of firefighters where among them was 52 year old Senior Fireman (ABK) Mos. The drill concluded with the group photo session with the special guest and BFRD senior officers.

Also during the drill the guests and public are shown on building evacuation and the importance of selecting the right safety grille for windows as the safety grilles which are not approved by BFRD can delay the rescue effort by the firefighters.

The operation capacity drill which was held since 2011 was BFRD initiative in exposing its officers and firefighters with various scenarios such as building fire, water rescue and hazardous material (HAZMAT) incidents. Beside that it also a BFRD way in order to expose to the public the firefighting career and create awareness to the public on the importance of fire safety in line with its motto “Creating a safer tommorw”.

Happy 50th anniversary special video from us.

50th Anniversary Exhibition and Activities concludes with high note

Hose drill competition

Old uniforms at the exhibition

Kids enjoying the TTL ride

Life air pack jump

The Brunei Fire and Rescue Department (BFRD) 50th anniversary concludes on 14 March 2010 with the finale show which includes the last show of the water projector and the final of the Donning Fire Jacket and Hose Drill. Before the final of the games a charity walkathon was held in the morning which was attended by the Minister of Home Affairs, MoHA senior officers, BFRD senior officers and staffs from all units and operation, NDMC staffs and members of public as well

The exhibition which had attracted public was held at the BFRD multi purpose hall. The exhibition which showcased the BFRD achievement in the 50 years of service to the community and also showcase the roles and responsibility of Operational A-G command, Special Squad, Training Centre, Fire prevention and investigation, Public Relation and Archives. Also shown are various old and new firefighting clothing and uniforms, BFRD readiness in facing floods in Tutong and Haze at Belait District. B-Mobile and TelBru also promoting their services to the public and also sell the special commemorative prepaid card and Payless card to the public.

Meanwhile at the parade ground various activities are held such as Turntable Ladder (TTL) ride, fire appliances ride (LP and Fire Motorcycle), Netball shoot, Smoke House. The special Squad proudly presented to the public their Life Air Pack jump, Rescue Chute and Flying Fox. At the track two competition are held which are donning fire jacket and hose drill.

In relation to this, BFRD would like to say thanks to public for the support and for celebration the department 5o years of service to the community.

50 years of service to the nation

The Dennis F105 pump escape (circa 1960) -courtesy BFRD archive

Today 9 March 2010 Brunei Fire and Rescue Department (BFRD) celebrates its 50th years of dedicated service to the nation. During the period itself the department had been developing itself in term of manpower, equipment and technical aspects and its infrastructure.

In its early years of formation the department was known as "Brunei Fire Brigade" and most of the equipment rely on British military basic firefighting equipment which were left by after the war. Under the command of the police force the brigade received its first "true" firefighting appliance which is the Dennis F105 pump escape, this development is the base of the department development until today.

The department keep developing and developing as time goes by and also as Brunei develop itself. In 1967 the department receive two new Bedford SH with Magirus Turntable ladder in order to cope the development at Brunei Town which require high rise firefighting cover. During the upcoming period the brigade also had formed its own marine fire brigade which consist of several fire launches and major size fireboat for firefighting at Kampong Ayer.

1980s onwards saw the development of the brigade, RESCUE squad which handles the specialist cases such as RTAs and technical rescue also formed during the period and in 1986 the department formed its first squad of Women Firefighter squad. This women firefighters jobs during the period are limited to communication and non-operational works however in 2006 the women firefighters role are extended to operational and act as second responders at incident site along with their male counterparts.

1980s also saw the department change its name with adding the word "services" and known as Brunei Fire Services Department until 2006. This is because the department core-business are not only focus on conventional firefighting but more towards service to the community. However on 9 March 2006 the department change again its name into "Brunei Fire and Rescue Department" after the department core-business once more change and expanded from services towards rescue orientated calls.

Currently the department operates more than 60 fire appliances which runs from 20 different fire and rescue stations scattered in different operational command areas. The department units also had been expanded with the formation of the Special Squad, Hazardous Material (HAZMAT), Women Operational Unit along with the regular operational fire and rescue specialist. This is to meet the demand of the natural and conventional disaster.

Happy 50th anniversary

Golden Jubilee Exhibition and Charity based activities 10-14 March 2010

In conjunction with the 50th Golden Jubilee of the Brunei Fire and Rescue Department (BFRD) various activities are held in conjunction with it. One of it are the exhibition and activities which will be held from 10-14 March 2010. The activities are as follows:

1. Flying Fox

2. Donning Fire Jacket
3. Escape Chute
4. Hose Drill
5. Smoke House
6. Garage Sale
7. Fire Appliance Vehicle Ride (Update)
8. Turn Table Ladder Ride (Update)
9. Bouncer Ride (Update)
10. Life Air Pack Jump (Update)

Attention: All activities are charged $1 and coupons can be bought at the entrance of BFRD multi purpose hall during the exhibition which will be held from 10-14 March.

Pelangi FM also will be on live at the event with Dj.Zack.

Charity walkathon will be held at the headquarters on Sunday, 7 March 2010 and will start at 7:00am.

Public are welcome to participate the event.

BFRD & NDMC @ BRIDEX 2009

The new Rosenbauer Brega firefighting suit

NDMC Disaster Survival Backpack

Brunei Fire and Rescue Department (BFRD) and National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) set up its booth at the Brunei Pavilion during the 2nd BRIDEX 2009 held at BRIDEX Centre, Jerudong. Among the equipment exhibited are the Rosenbauer Brega firefighting suit which is the latest firefighting suit used by BFRD and also showcase several new system used by the BFRD such as the Fire Rescue Management System (FRMS).

Meanwhile NDMC showcase its functions and role during disaster. NDMC also exhibited their uniforms and also the disaster survival backpack.