White plumes rise as forest fire burns Penang hillside

 

Plumes of thick white smoke billowed into the sky over after a forest fire broke out in Taman Bukit Gambir, Gelugor, Penang today. - NSTP/FIRE AND RESCUE DEPARTMENT

GEORGE TOWN: Plumes of thick white smoke billowed into the sky over Penang after a forest fire broke out in Taman Bukit Gambir, Gelugor, engulfing about 1.2ha of land.

Firefighters used firebeaters and water jet sprayers to combat the flames.

No casualties were reported.

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Penang is experiencing a hot and dry spell, with the Malaysian Meteorological Department forecasting similar conditions to persist until late March.

Bukit Gambir is a popular local hiking area linked to nearby trails such as Bukit Jambul. Its forested routes are steep, leading to hilltops and ridges with views over the surrounding area.

The Penang Fire and Rescue Department received a distress call at 1.51pm and dispatched a team from the Jalan Perak fire station.

Penang Fire and Rescue Department assistant operations director John Sagun Francis said the fire was brought under control at 3.53pm and fully extinguished at 4.15pm.

Officials said investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing. - NST