KOTA TINGGI: A 51.4ha peatland fire along Jalan Bypass Punggai-Sebana Cove in Pengerang, near here, has been fully extinguished.
The fire, which was reported on Aug 24, saw firemen from the Sebana Cove, Punggai, Bandar Penawar and Sungai Rengit fire stations being deployed for the operation.
Senior operations commander Baharuddin Idris said the operation covered Sector A, spanning 35.6ha along the main road and Sector B, covering 15.8ha along the boundary area.
Both sectors were fully extinguished by noon yesterday.
“No victims were trapped or injured at the sites. There was also no order for residents to temporarily evacuate to relief centres,” he said in a statement, Bernama reported.
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 complicated the situation, he added.
To address water supply issues, Baharuddin said firemen 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.
“Firemen and drone unit personnel will continue to monitor the area to prevent the fire from reigniting,” he said.
