Most fires in Terengganu caused by dry spell

Charred ground: Burnt grass and leaves are seen in Seberang Takir, Kuala Nerus, due to a fire caused by the hot weather. — Bernama

KUALA TERENGGANU: The hot and dry spell is the cause of most of the 594 fires of different intensity in Terengganu from January till Sunday.

State Fire and Rescue Department director Hassan ‘As’ari Omar said from the 594 cases reported, 421 involved farms, forests, secondary forests and bushes.Hassan said the main cause of the fires was the dry spell that started in March.

“Other cases involved buildings, houses, vehicles and appliances. But the number remains small.

“Statistics of fires in the month of March alone was 250 cases,” he told reporters after launching Op Raya 2023 at the Kuala Terengganu Fire and Rescue Station yesterday.

Hassan said only 20% of the 806 firefighters and officers in the state would be given leave during the festive season while the rest would be on duty round-the-clock and carry out patrolling duties, especially at 10 locations identified as high-risk fire prone areas.

The locations include Kampung Telaga Papan, Lembah Bidong, Saujana and Kg Merang in Setiu; Kg Gong Badak, Batu Rakit and Tok Jembal in Kuala Nerus; Kg Jambu Bongkok and Kg Kelulut in Marang and Rantau Abang in Dungun. — Bernama