DUNGUN: The Fire and Rescue Department has deployed a helicopter to assist in efforts to extinguish a peat swamp forest fire, which is spreading towards residential areas in Kampung Baru, Kuala Abang.
Terengganu Fire and Rescue Department assistant director (Operations) Mohd Izwan Hashim said an Agusta AW139 helicopter from the Northern Territory Air Base in Bertam, Penang, was mobilised for water-bombing operations in areas inaccessible to ground teams.
"The helicopter is also used to transport firefighters to hard-to-reach areas to speed up containment and extinguishing efforts,” he said on Saturday (April 25).
The fire, which broke out on Thursday (April 23), is believed to have been caused by uncontrolled open burning and has so far affected about 32 hectares of land.
Mohd Izwan said a total of 52 personnel are involved in the operation, with focus placed on preventing the blaze from spreading further and protecting nearby residential areas.
"Strong winds from multiple directions contributed to the rapid spread of the fire, producing thick smoke that is affecting nearby settlements
"We are facing difficulties in extinguishing the fire deep within the forest as the swamp water sources are drying up,” he said, adding that water from fire hydrants is being used for operations in residential areas.
Residents who are unwell, as well as the elderly, infants and children, are advised to temporarily relocate as the smog may pose health risks. – Bernama
