PENGERANG: About 42% of the 51.4ha bushfire along the Punggai-Sebana Cove bypass road has been extinguished as firefighters continue to work around the clock.
The Johor Fire and Rescue Department said flames across 22ha have been put out as of Tuesday (Aug 25) afternoon.
“The blaze has scorched areas on both sides of the road.
“We have managed to put out the flames across 8ha of the 35.6ha area in sector A and 14ha of the 15.8ha area in sector B.
“We continue to work against challenges such as high temperatures and burning embers concealed in the peat soil to put out the flames,” it said in a statement.
The department said the soft soil at the peatlands and limited water sources also posed challenges.
It added that other agencies such as Ranhill SAJ has deployed assets such as water tankers to support firefighting efforts.
“Travellers along the bypass road should remain vigilant and keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front as the clouds of smoke from the bushfire remain thick,” it said.
The bushfire was reported at 11.25am on Monday (Aug 24), with 22 firefighters from the Sebana, Punggai, Penawar and Sungai Rengit stations dispatched to the scene.
Upon arrival, firefighters found the blaze had spread across an area with tall grass.
No casualties were reported.
