KOTA TINGGI: Hot weather and strong winds are complicating efforts to put out a 51.4ha peat fire along Jalan Bypass Sebana Cove-Punggai that started on Monday (Aug 24).
Operations commander Deputy Fire Supt II Baharuddin Idris said 9.7% of the fire in Sector A, which is 35.6ha, and the entire area of Sector B (15.8ha), was under control
"Our main challenges are strong winds, hot weather and limited water supply. We get water by using water tankers with the help of related agencies, including Ranhill SAJ.
"No new fires have been detected in the area, and there have been no casualties reported due to the fire," he said when met by reporters at the site of the fire here Tuesday (Aug 25).
He explained that they were using the direct attack method while waiting for two excavators from other agencies scheduled to arrive at noon as the department needed larger amphibious excavators that are capable of operating in peat and forest areas to create firebreaks, especially in Sector A.
Baharuddin said there was a risk that the fire could spread if winds got stronger, but the situation in Sector B was under control.
"We hope if the weather isn't too hot, we can put out the fire there (Sector B). But in Sector A, we still need help to create firebreaks using amphibious excavators," he said.
The fire was not threatening residential areas as the nearest housing area was in Sebana Cove almost three kilometres away, while Punggal was about four to five kilometres from the fire, while the road has been closed to the public since 2 pm Monday.
The area on fire is categorised as agriculture land, with a small part of the nearby area being an oil palm plantation owned by Keledang Felda while other areas have yet to be cultivated, he added.
The cause of the fire has yet to be determined, Baharuddin said, and investigations are ongoing.
"There are people who enter this area, probably to fish, but we cannot determine if it has any relation to the cause of the fire," he said, adding that 21 personnel, including four Civil Defence Force members were involved in firefighting efforts.
Meanwhile, Tanjung Surat assemblyman Aznan Tamin advised local residents to follow the instructions of the authorties and to avoid using the closed Punggal bypass and to use alternative routes.
He also advised that nearby residents, especially those in Taman Bayu Damai and Punggai, to wear facemasks if they are exposed to thick smoke as the Air Pollution Index (API) reading in the area has risen slightly to 125.
"In light of this incident, I hope everyone will be more cautious and not conduct open burning, especially during hot weather," he said. - Bernama
