Fire drill at Empire Hotel

http://www.borneobulletin.com.bn/tue/jan19h22.htm

The Empire Hotel and Country Club's emergency preparedness came under scrutiny after a fire broke out in one of the guest rooms in the West Atrium of the hotel's building yesterday.

Following the sounding of the fire alarm, fire marshals from the hotel were seen rushing to room 2112 where they found Mr Doubtfire lying unconscious in his room floor.

Staff members were also seen evacuating the building and gathering at the designated assembly area at the hotel's premises.

This scenario was part of a fire-drill exercise conducted in accordance with the upcoming Asian Tourism Forum (ATF). This was stated by Mr Sumantri Endang, Executive Assistant Manager (Rooms), who is also the person in-charge of the exercise.

The hotel's fire marshals were on hand to guide the staff through the evacuation procedure.

According to Mr Sumantri, the health and safety of its staff and guests are the hotel's top priority.

"The focus of the emergency drill was 'to practise the quick emergency response' and it is important to have drills such as this to ensure that the hotel's staff know what to do in such an event," he said.

He also said that the drill such as yesterday's exercise will be a routine procedure, which they are planning to organise three times a year.

A total of 28 fire fighters from the Jerudong fire station arrived within five minutes after receiving the distress call. Two fire engines and an Accident Unit were deployed and they managed to control the fire in six minutes.

Police personnel from Sengkurong also came lent a helping hand.