Forest fires raging in northern Sarawak

Part of a forest already burnt in Kuala Baram north of Miri

MIRI: Wildfires have razed an area the size of 200 football fields in the Kuala Baram district in northern Sarawak the past few days.

Two huge fires are still raging near populated residential estates.

Miri Fire and Rescue Department chief Supt Law Poh Kiong said the department carried out 30 rounds of aerial water bombing Sunday morning but strong winds were not doing much to help.

"The wildfires have turned into forest fires and since the smoke is very thick and dense we have to halt the water bombings for now. This morning we carried out 30 rounds of bombing," he said.

The cause of the latest forest fires are being investigated but northern Sarawak is now hit by a very hot spell.