MUAR: Tube wells may be used as an alternative method to extinguish the peatland fire that broke out on an 18ha oil palm plantation at Batu 13/14 in Mukim Ayer Hitam here on Saturday.
Zone 4 fire chief, Senior Fire Officer II Norshuhada Amsari, said they will collaborate with the Department of Mineral and Geoscience Malaysia to implement the method, following a shortage of water resources in the area.
“So far we have obtained water supply from two Ranhill SAJ water tankers and a tanker from the Muar Municipal Council. We also expect the fire to spread due to strong wind conditions, as well as the hot and dry weather,” he said when contacted by Bernama.
He said the fire has also broken out in Sectors C and D.
“So far, we have put out 40% of the blaze in Sector C and 10% in Sector D. The fire in Sector B has been extinguished, while 60% of the blaze in Sector A has been brought under control,” he said.
Norshuhada said they have not been able to extinguish the fire due to the peatland’s complex structure, shortage of water resources, hot weather and strong winds, allowing it to continue to spread underground.
Johor director of the Department of Mineral and Geoscience Malaysia, Noorazhar Ngatimin, said the nearest tube well is located in the Johor State Farmers’ Organisation area in Ayer Hitam, while two more are in Parit Jono, adding that all these wells are ready to be used.
“So far, these wells have not been activated as we are awaiting official instructions. If required, they will be used, but for now, the authorities are using other methods,” he said.
He explained that these tube wells are specially built in areas where peatland fires frequently occur to ensure ready water resources during emergency operations.
