Siti Rohani says Mersing recorded the highest number of hotspots followed by Muar and Kota Tinggi.
THE hot and dry weather during this year’s southwest monsoon in Johor will not be too extreme as there has been no significant influence from the El Nino or La Nina phenomena, says Johor Fire and Rescue Department.
Its director Siti Rohani Nadir said peak season – between July and September – with prolonged dry weather, potentially increased the risk of forest and bush fires.
“Rainfall levels may dip slightly in August and September.
“The weather will be hotter and drier, with less rainfall compared to the previous northeast monsoon season.”
She said 261 cases of open burning were recorded since the start of the southwest monsoon between May 10 and July 14, with most cases involving bush and rubbish fires.
“Of the 261 cases, 255 occurred in non-peat soil areas, while six involved peatland fires.
“The highest number of incidents were bush fires at 155 cases, followed by rubbish fires (76), plantation or farm fires (18) and woodpile fires (six),” added Siti Rohani.
Peatland fires were more challenging to extinguish, she said, as embers remained underground for long periods and could take up to seven times longer to put out than regular fires.
“Major contributing factors include prolonged hot and dry weather and uncontrolled open-burning activities.
“However, the number of emergency calls we received from May to June this year increased to 108 cases, compared to 87 in the same period last year,” she added.
Siti Rohani said 42 wildfire hotspots have been identified across 10 districts in Johor.
“Mersing recorded the highest number with eight hotspots, including Jalan Gunung Arong, Felda Tenggaroh 3 and 4, and Kampung Air Papan Tengah.
“This was followed by seven hotspots in Muar, five in Kota Tinggi and three in Batu Pahat.
“Pontian, Tangkak, Pengerang in Kota Tinggi, and Segamat also require close monitoring,” she added.
Siti Rohani said the department was on full alert with 1,325 firemen and 34 fire stations operating 24 hours a day.
“We also have 28 volunteer firefighting teams comprising 576 members, 35 fire engines, 61 water pumps and an additional 17 newly deployed portable pumps for high-risk areas.
“We ensure all equipment is well-maintained, tested and fully operational,” she said.
Siti Rohani added that frequent patrols would be carried out at identified hotspots as a preventive measure to safeguard the environment and local communities.
“Prolonged heat not only impacts health and the environment, but also raises the risk of open burning and haze.”
She also advised the public not to carry out open burning of rubbish, vegetation or forest areas.
“The current hot and dry weather could cause fires to spread quickly, while reduced river water sources could hamper firefighting efforts.
“I also call on those responsible for managing waste collection or disposal centres to ensure no individuals take shortcuts by setting fire to dispose of their rubbish,” she said.
Siti Rohani urged the public to report any fire to the fire department immediately.
