Putting out underground coal fire takes time

THE underground coal fire incident at Bukit Nanas in Batu Arang, Selangor will be referred to the Gombak District Natural Disaster Committee for the next course of action.

Selayang municipal councillor Zaidy Abu Talib, who visited the site yesterday, said the attempt by the Fire and Rescue Department crew in digging the ground to locate the point of fire and dousing it with water was just a temporary solution.

“We have suggested to two other families living nearby to move out of their homes as the smoke is hazardous to their health. The victim whose house is most affected by the underground fire has moved out,” said Zaidy, adding that the Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) had already requested the state’s Environment Department to determine the danger level.

On Sunday, S. Robert, 42, and his family had to vacate their home as the ground behind their house started emitting smoke.

“Two weeks ago, we sensed the temperature rising from the site behind our house. Days later, the ground also started emitting black smoke.

“I was worried for my family’s health and security because I have four young children. The temperature inside the house was 40 degrees Celsius due to the rising temperature.

“I immediately alerted the village security and development committee (JKKK) that helped to report it to the relevant authorities,” he said, adding that councillor G. Gunaraj and Batu Arang Indian Community head Shanmugam Nathan had also been helping them out in the crisis.

Six firemen from the Batu Arang fire department has been working at the site since 4pm on Sunday.

Work to put out fire included excavating the ground to locate the underground smouldering coal deposit and dousing it with water.

Operation head Salehtul Azmir said the work would take time as the fire could be located between 10m and 15m deep.

“We are excavating the ground behind the house, but if the need arises, we might break up the back portion of Robert’s house for more excavation work,” said Salehtul, adding that the cause of fire was most probably due to direct sunlight to gashes on the ground or even open burning, which was apparent in the area.

He said the temperature on the affected ground was between 45 and 60 degrees Celsius, but in the worst-case scenario it could rise to 100 degrees Celsius.

“The current rainy weather is worsening the situation — it is like pouring water into a heated wok,” he said.

He said the coal-fire smoke was particularly hazardous for those with breathing problems.