51 hectare peatland fire put out after four days

 Firefighters said operations were hampered by hot weather and strong winds, lack of open water sources, and narrow road shoulders with soft soil.

The fire at peatland along the Punggai-Sebana Cove road in Pengerang, Johor, was reported on Aug 24. (JBPM pic)

KOTA TINGGI:

A peatland fire across an area of 51.4 hectares in Pengerang near here was fully extinguished today, with firefighters ending their operations at around noon.

The fire, which was reported on Aug 24, was on 35.6 hectares along the Punggai-Sebana Cove road and 15.8 hectares along the boundary area.

Senior operations commander Baharuddin Idris 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.

Firefighters used a relay pumping system with 12 water tankers on shuttle runs to supply water to the fire engines. Firebreaks were built using two excavators.

The fire and rescue department said it would continue to monitor the area to prevent the fire from being rekindled. - FMT