PETALING JAYA: Open burning of domestic or garden waste, as well as discarding lit cigarette butts from vehicles, are some of the practices that must be avoided to prevent fires amid the current hot spell.
“Immediately report any small fire outbreak immediately to the 999 hotline before the situation gets out of control.
“Land owners should also actively patrol their properties and ensure fire fighting systems are functioning,” said Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad.
The Fire and Rescue Department director-general said they are on heightened alert against fire risks, especially in the northern parts of the peninsula during the end of the north-east monsoon.
The north-east monsoon, which began in November, brings about increased rainfall episodes to the east coast states during the earlier phases with the weather gradually becoming hotter nationwide towards March.
“We are also on heightened alert during the south-west monsoon, lasting from May to September, especially peatland locations in Selangor, Pahang, Johor, Sabah and Sarawak,” he added.
Nor Hisham said excessively hot weather is one of the “ingredients” that can contribute towards the fire triangle.
“The weather provides heat. Dry spells can also produce flammable items such as dry leaves, branches and even peatlands.
“Strong winds can increase the rate at which fire spreads, resulting in even small fires spreading out of control,” he said.
