JOHOR BARU: The air quality in Masai is currently safe as most of the flames from a fire, believed to have started at an oil storage facility here, have been put out, says the Johor Department of Environment.
Its director Dr Mohd Famey Yusoff said ammonia gas was initially detected when air quality monitoring was done from 8pm on Saturday, but the situation has improved and there is no longer a threat in the area.
“The gas reading was below the Acute Exposure Guideline Level (AEGL-2), meaning it does not pose any serious health risks.
“The gas (ammonia) was detected as the fire was still burning at the time. As of 10am on Sunday, ammonia was no longer detected in the parameters,” he said in a statement.
He said the department has been continuously monitoring the air quality levels at four locations, namely SK Seri Kota Puteri, the Fire Control Post in Masai, Makmur Maju Logistics Sdn Bhd and Jalan Cenderai 27, Taman Kota Puteri, where the fire occurred.
He added that no volatile organic compounds were found in the location and the department will continue to monitor the situation.
Meanwhile, Johor Fire and Rescue Department operations commander Sarhan Akmal Mohamad said firefighting operations in Division One of the burning area were completed at 4am on Saturday.
“There were challenges in extinguishing the flames in Division Two due to the numerous large oil drums obstructing access, making it difficult for firefighters to reach the source of the fire,” he said.
He added that 37 firemen from seven fire stations were stationed at the scene on the second day of operations.
“A fireman sustained injuries to his left leg while conducting the operations and has been given medical attention,” said Sarhan Akmal.
Flames engulfed five premises, affecting an area approximately 1,000sq m, and destroying 15 vehicles, including tankers, cars and motorcycles.
Witnesses reported small explosions taking place as the fire released thick clouds of smoke, making the smog visible even from the Eastern Dispersal Link highway, some 8km away.
