KOTA TINGGI: After close to a week of firefighting, the peat fire in Pengerang which razed close to 100ha has been extinguished.
Kota Tinggi disaster management committee chairman Miswan Yunus said with this, all 157 evacuees placed at two temporary relief centres (PPS) have been allowed to return home.
“The Air Pollutant Index readings in affected residential areas have dropped to normal levels. In view of the improved conditions, the committee agreed to close two PPS at Dewan Taman Bayu Damai and SK Sungai Kapal,” he said, adding that both centres were closed at 10am yesterday.
Johor Fire and Rescue Department deputy director Muhammad Al Mustakim Abdul Hady said despite the improvements, firefighting operations were ongoing in Jalan Sungai Kapal, Taman Bayu Damai, to prevent any flare-up.
“The situation is under control. Large hotspots have been completely put out but our personnel are continuing efforts to prevent any reignition,” he said.
He said monitoring and mop-up operations will continue.
The peat fire started last Friday, causing thick clouds of smoke which forced residents in the vicinity to evacuate.
Air assets were deployed to conduct a series of water bombing sorties to suppress the fire.
