Fire Dept gears up for hot, dry spell

CYBERJAYA: Preparations are being ramped up for potentially scorching weather this year, with ­forecasts indicating that the El Nino ­phenomenon could bring hotter and drier conditions than those experienced in previous years, says Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad.

The Fire and Rescue department director-general said all respective state directors have been instructed to strengthen operational readiness to ensure a swift response should forest and peatland fires increase.

Nor Hisham.

“We held a meeting recently to coordinate preparations and response strategies ahead of the anticipated weather conditions.

“We are expecting weather conditions that will be drier than last year, and preparations this year are being carried out more thoroughly and systematically.

“Last year, we completed the procurement of 70 Compact Fire Rescue Tender vehicles, which are widely used in forest fire operations, as well as an additional 80 portable pumps to enhance the department’s operational readiness,” he told reporters after the Ibadah Qurban Kasih programme in Sepang yesterday.

Nor Hisham said current ­monitoring and readings of the El Nino phenomenon in the Pacific region indicate that conditions this year are not expected to be overly critical.

“Based on the forecasts and projections, the situation will not be too critical. While there have been several very hot days, ­rainfall is still occurring and ­conditions remain under ­control,” he added.

Nor Hisham said the department will also be focusing on improving coordination and ­d­isaster management in the event of large-scale forest fires.

Simmering danger: In this filepic, firemen are seen battling a forest fire raging near Lebuh Raya Desaru Penggerang, Johor. — Photo courtesy of Jabatan Bomba Dan Penyelamat Malaysia

“One of the most important aspects of firefighting operations is the ability to rapidly mobilise assets and assistance to affected areas,” he said.

He also called for stricter enforcement against open burning, saying such activities can ­significantly increase the risk of forest fires during prolonged hot and dry weather.

Meanwhile, on the Ibadah Qurban Kasih event, Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Aiman Athirah Sabu said about 500 people, including firefighters, village heads, councillors and ­volunteers, were involved in the programme.

She said the initiative also involved 38 traditional villages in the Sepang district and culminated in a community feast aimed at strengthening ties between residents, community leaders and government agencies.