KUANTAN: The Pahang Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) reported 87 open fires over seven days from March 18 to yesterday.
Deputy Director of Operations and Rescue, Mohd Salahuddin Isa, said the peak occurred on March 22 and yesterday, with 16 cases reported in a single day.
He added that 30 incidents were recorded from March 18 to 20, 27 cases from March 21 to 22, and another 30 from March 23 to 24.
"In total, we received 87 reports of open fires over the week, averaging 12 incidents per day,” he said when contacted on Wednesday (March 25).
Most fires involved scrubland and grassy areas near residential zones, highways, cemeteries, and industrial areas, with the Kuantan district recording the highest frequency.
He noted that operational personnel remain sufficient, with additional support available from other districts if needed.
Mohd Salahuddin also urged the public to refrain from open burning, warning that the current hot spell increases the risk of fires spreading rapidly. - Bernama
