SOPs established before gas pipelines were built - Fire Dept

 

The standard operating procedure (SOP) for handling incidents involving gas pipelines was established before their construction, said Fire and Rescue Department (FRD) director-general Nor Hisham Mohamad.

He stressed that in the event of a fire, firefighting and rescue operations would be carried out strictly according to the established SOP.

“Firefighters will use the same extinguishing methods as other fires but will take into account the specific risks associated with gas pipelines to ensure everyone’s safety,” he said when contacted today.

He said FRD is also involved in the planning process before the installation of gas pipelines.

“We have signed a memorandum of understanding with Petronas and held strategic engagement sessions to ensure preparedness in handling any incidents,” he said.

Meanwhile, Nor Hisham (above) said FRD identified houses affected by the gas pipeline fire in Putra Heights yesterday to determine if they were safe or posed a risk for rescue teams to enter.

He added that assessments are also being conducted on the safety and structural integrity of the homes damaged by the fire, explosion, and heat waves.

“If a structure is found to be unsafe or poses a risk to the rescue team, we will dismantle any removable parts safely, such as a collapsing roof,” he said.

A visit to the scene by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim

The fire, which broke out at approximately 8.10am yesterday, was caused by a gas pipeline leak that ignited a 500m pipeline owned by Petronas subsidiary, Petronas Gas Berhad.

According to the Subang Jaya district police, 111 victims received medical treatment at hospitals. At the same time, 529 people were relocated to two temporary evacuation centres at Masjid Putra Heights and the Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ) multipurpose hall.

Additionally, 235 premises, including homes and shops, were affected, with 87 units razed by the fire and 48 sustaining damage. Meanwhile, 399 vehicles were impacted, of which 225 were burned entirely, while 174 suffered various damage.

- Bernama