Firefighters have brought 80% of a large bush fire along the Punggai Bypass under control, with a second blaze near a housing project also being tackled.
KOTA TINGGI: Firefighting operations at a large bush fire along the Punggai Bypass Highway have reached 80% containment.
Senior Fire Officer II Ezam Mistorerrodin said the fire covered an estimated 150 hectares, with about 30 hectares still active.
He attributed the rapid spread to hot, dry weather and strong winds, which hampered efforts.
“We are applying a direct attack technique using hose lines up to 1,200 feet, relay pumping systems and high-powered pumps,” he said in a statement.
Water is being sourced from nearby reservoirs to ensure a continuous supply for the operation.
It involves over 30 firefighters from Punggai and Sungai Rengit stations.
They are assisted by officers from the Johor Fire and Rescue Department headquarters and the Zone 3 Drone Unit for aerial monitoring.
The police, Department of Environment, Johor Plantation Foundation, KEJORA and the Pengerang Municipal Council are also involved.
In a related development, Ezam said a second bush fire was reported yesterday near the Pengerang People’s Housing Project (PPR).
This fire covers about 10 hectares, with 4.7 hectares or 50% extinguished so far.
He said the blaze has raised concerns among residents due to thick smoke affecting air quality and visibility.
Conditions remain challenging as the fire continues to burn dry vegetation, producing dense smoke.
“The thick smoke has hampered movement and firefighting operations,” he said.
Efforts are ongoing to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby residential areas.
