Trench built to contain raging forest fire in Johor

ISKANDAR PUTERI: The state Fire and Rescue Department has built a trench to stop the forest fire at Jalan Tanjung Kupang, Kampung Pekajang from spreading.

Its operation commander Sarhan Akmal Mohamad said the fire, which started since 11.45am on Wednesday (Aug 21), has now spread to 40 acres.

“A total of 70 Fire and Rescue Department personnel from 10 stations from Zone 1 (Johor Baru, Pasir Gudang, Kulai and Pontian) have been deployed to help fight the fire.

“We have conducted aerial monitoring to find the best way to contain the blaze, ” he said in a statement here on Friday (Aug 23).

He added that the department was currently organising its strategies aside from looking out for nearby water source that could be used to help put out the forest fire.

State Housing, Communications and Multimedia Committee chairman Dzulkefly Ahmad, who visited the area, said the Johor Baru Disaster Action Committee would be having their first meeting on Friday to discuss the next course of action in fighting the blaze.

“The overall conditions are under control, so the public living near the area need not be worried.

“I was informed that the state Fire and Rescue Department had finished making a trench in the area so that the flames would not spread, ” he said.