Hillside forest catches fire in Perak

Firemen trying to put out the fire at the jungles near KM45 of Jalan Simpang Pulai-Cameron Highlands on Monday.

IPOH: Some 10ha of hillside forest near KM45 of Jalan Simpang Pulai-Cameron Highlands caught fire.  

Receiving a distress call at about 1.45am Monday, the Fire and Rescue Department rushed to the site near Kampung Raja to put out the blaze.  

However, a department spokesman said firemen were having trouble putting out the fire due to strong winds.  

"We are also having difficulties with the hilly terrain.  

"The affected area is about 152m from the foot of the hill," the spokesman said.  

All personnel from the Simpang Pulai fire station have been deployed to the site, led by its chief Rozmi Che Hamat.  

About seven orang asli were also involved.  

Firemen halted its operation at 11pm, but would continue to monitor the situation.