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SWELTERING heat and humidity are believed to have triggered yet another fire at the Pulau Burung Landfill, the main solid waste disposal facility in Penang, prompting a major firefighting operation on the first day of Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
Some 24 personnel from the Fire and Rescue Department were deployed to tackle the blaze, sacrificing their festive holiday to prevent a repeat of the prolonged inferno that struck the site in 2022.
The fire broke out at about 5am, with nearby villagers raising the alarm approximately 40 minutes later. Fire crews responded with multiple engines amid concerns that the incident could escalate into another weeks-long disaster.
After a protracted 12-hour effort, authorities confirmed that the blaze had been extinguished, although additional overhaul work was required to eliminate any remaining hotspots.
“After confirming that there is no danger on site, the operation ended,” the department said in a statement.
The operation drew support from multiple stations, including Nibong Tebal, Sungai Bakap, Jalan Perak, Bandar Perda and Bayan Baru, alongside volunteer firefighting units and other agencies such as the Seberang Perai City Council.
Assistant operations director John Sagun Francis said firefighters encountered a large-scale fire involving solid waste, covering an estimated area of 100 by 100 square feet.
"The fire was divided into two sectors to facilitate containment efforts. The situation was brought under control within the first five hours and completely extinguished at 5.13pm, followed by overhaul works to ensure no residual embers remained.
"After confirming the area was safe and free from further hazards, the operation was officially concluded at 5.55pm," he said.
Firefighters deployed eight water jets across two sectors and used both direct attack and firebreak strategies, supported by excavators to turn over burning waste and prevent further spread.
No injuries were reported.
The latest incident adds to a series of fires at the landfill, including one on February 8 that was extinguished after nine hours. The most severe blaze occurred in January 2022, affecting 11 hectares and requiring days of firefighting, with another incident reported just four months later. - March 22, 2026
