KOTA TINGGI: A 51.4ha peatland fire along Jalan Bypass Punggai-Sebana Cove in Pengerang near here has been fully extinguished by the Johor Fire and Rescue Department on Friday (Aug 28), with operations ending around noon.
The fire, which was reported on Aug 24, saw four Fire and Rescue Stations from Sebana Cove, Punggai, Bandar Penawar and Sungai Rengit respond to the incident.
Senior operations commander Deputy Fire Superintendent II Baharuddin Idris said firefighting operations covered Sector A, spanning 35.6ha along the main road and Sector B, covering 15.8ha along the boundary area. Both sectors have now been fully extinguished.
"No victims were trapped or injured at the scene and no evacuation of residents to temporary relief centres was carried out throughout the firefighting operations," he said in a statement on Friday.
Baharuddin said firefighters faced challenges from hot weather and strong winds, which caused embers to spread quickly through the peat layer. The lack of open water sources and narrow road shoulders with soft soil also complicated operations.
To address water supply issues, the department used a relay pumping system with 12 water tankers on shuttle runs. Firebreaks were built using two excavators with help from the Department of Irrigation and Drainage and Ranhill SAJ.
Although operations have ended, the department and its drone unit will continue to monitor the area to prevent the fire from rekindling. – Bernama
