BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, April 28 (Xinhua) -- The Brunei Fire and Rescue Department has recorded a total of 17 forest and bush fires over the weekend, following a period of extremely hot weather in the country.
In a press release issued on Monday, the department said the fires, which occurred on Saturday and Sunday, have destroyed approximately 68 hectares of land near the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan.
Authorities also revealed that a total of 135 forest and bush fires have been recorded across the country throughout April this year, indicating a significant increase in such incidents.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Development said Brunei is currently experiencing hazy conditions as a result of localized forest and bush fires, raising concerns over air quality and public health. ■
