Firefighters battle bushfire on hill near Tanjung Bungah homes

 

Firefighters are battling a bushfire on a hill behind a residential area in Solok Tanjung Bungah here today. PIC COURTESY OF THE FIRE AND RESCUE DEPARTMENT

GEORGE TOWN: Firefighters are battling a bushfire on a hill behind a residential area in Solok Tanjung Bungah here today.

The Penang Fire and Rescue Department received an emergency call about 3.59pm and personnel from the Bagan Jermal fire station, assisted by a team from the Jalan Perak station, were dispatched to the scene.

Fire and Rescue Department assistant operations director John Sagun Francis said the fire involved a forested area on a hill estimated to cover about three acres, located roughly 2km from the base.

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"There is no vehicle access to the location, so firefighters had to trek uphill carrying firefighting equipment to reach the affected area," he said.

Francis said the operation commander conducted an initial size-up.

"Fire suppression has been divided into two sectors. Firefighters are using fire beaters and creating fire breaks to prevent the blaze from spreading further," he said.

The fire was brought under control at 7.12pm, but firefighting and containment efforts are still ongoing as at 8pm.

A drone unit has also been placed on standby to assist with aerial monitoring of the affected area.

No casualties have been reported so far. - NST