PENGERANG: A bushfire along the Punggai-Sebana Cove bypass road here has expanded to 51.4ha as of Tuesday (Aug 25) morning, up from the 29ha reported the day before.
The Johor Fire and Rescue Department said the blaze has scorched areas on both sides of the road, covering 35.6ha in Sector A and 15.8ha in Sector B.
“As of 8.30am on Tuesday, we have extinguished about 15ha or 29.2% of the overall affected area.
“Strong winds and dry weather have posed challenges for our team of 21 firefighters, on top of limited water sources and difficult access to the site,” it said in a statement on Tuesday.
Assets such as an excavator, water tanker, mobile pumps and generator sets have been stationed in the area to support the operation, the department said.
“We have not identified new sparks at the moment while firefighting efforts continue round the clock,” it added.
The bushfire was first reported at 11.25am on Monday (Aug 24), with firefighters from the Sebana Cove and Punggai stations dispatched to the scene.
Upon arrival, firefighters found the blaze spreading rapidly across tall grass.
No casualties have been reported.
