MUAR: Two small explosions were detected during operations to extinguish a peatland fire at a plantation here.
Muar OCPD Asst Comm Raiz Mukhliz Azman Aziz said the first explosion occurred on Feb 3 at a plantation owned by the Johor State Farmers’ Organisation at Batu 13/14, Air Hitam.
“Entering the eighth day of operations, a small explosion was detected in Sector D of the area. The incident is believed to have been caused by an active peat fire beneath the surface.
“The exact cause of both incidents is still under investigation,” he said in a statement on Saturday.
He added that investigations at the scene were ongoing.
“However, access to the affected area is limited due to thick smoke and the loose, unstable peat soil structure is making it difficult to determine the exact location of the explosion and to carry out a thorough investigation.
“Therefore, for the safety of personnel and the public, Sector D has been completely closed,” he said.
ACP Raiz Mukhliz said firefighting operations were continuing to use water bombing, with the assistance of a helicopter, to ensure the fire was fully brought under control while minimising risks to ground personnel.
“We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates from time to time.
“The public is advised not to approach the area and to comply with instructions from the authorities for everyone’s safety,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Johor Fire and Rescue Department said in a statement that as of Saturday, about 35% of the total 110ha of peatland in Bakri Batu 13 and 14 had been extinguished.
“The Air Pollution Index reading stood at 63, with the incident location about 3km from the nearest residential area.
“Firefighting operations are still ongoing in Sector A, while Sector D has been closed following a second explosion,” it said in a statement yesterday.
Earlier, a series of peatland fires were reported in several areas across Johor.
On Jan 31, a peatland fire reportedly destroyed nearly 5,000 pineapple plants belonging to a farmer in Kampung Parit Haji Abd Aziz, Sungai Balang Besar, here.
On Jan 23, a peatland fire razed nearly 100ha along Jalan Sungai Kapal in Taman Bayu Damai, Pengerang, near Kota Tinggi, forcing more than 150 residents to evacuate to temporary relief centres.
