MUAR: Approximately 12ha (30 acres) of peat forest at Batu 13, Bukit Naning, near the Johor State Farmers' Organisation Estate, was reported to be on fire on Saturday (Jan 31).
Operations Commander Fire Superintendent II Norshuhada Amasari said 15 personnel from the Muar Fire and Rescue Station, assisted by 10 personnel from the Zone 4 station, rushed to the scene upon receiving a report at 9.00am.
The firefighting operation, located 27km from the Muar station, involved the station’s Team B supported by one Fire Rescue Tender, an Emergency Medical Rescue Services unit, a three-tonne truck, three Rapid Intervention Motorcycles, and a water tanker.
"Upon arrival at the location, our team found a forest area along with part of a palm oil plantation on fire. We carried out firefighting operations divided into two sectors (A and B).
"For Sector A, involving 20 acres, the operation utilised a 700-foot hose line, three breeching units, four nozzles, one pump unit, and an open water source,” he said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Sector B (10 acres) involved two 600-foot hose lines, two breeching units, three nozzles, and one pump unit provided by the Air Hitam Voluntary Fire Brigade.
As of 5.00pm on Saturday, firefighting operations were still ongoing.
"This operation also involves several other agencies, including six members of the Voluntary Fire Brigade, five from the Malaysian Civil Defence Force, four police officers, five from the Irrigation and Drainage Department, five from the Johor Farmers’ Association, and five from the Public Works Department.
"Also deployed were two water tankers from Ranhill SAJ Sdn Bhd (SAJ) and one from the Muar Municipal Council,” he added. – Bernama
