Firefighters in Kota Tinggi continue to battle a two-day blaze across 121.4 hectares of Bio Desaru forest, using water hoses and fire breaks amid strong winds.
KOTA TINGGI: A forested area spanning 121.4 hectares has been ablaze at Bio Desaru for two days.
Bandar Penawar Fire and Rescue Station senior assistant Fire Supt Soleh Nasir said a team of 15 personnel is on the scene with a Fire Rescue Tender and other equipment.
He said they are fighting the fire by drafting water from nearby ditches and digging a fire break to contain its spread.
“Aerial surveillance conducted at 11 am has found that the fire is subsiding, but thick smoke persists as the blaze is burning across a logged-over area and peatland,” he said in a statement.
Soleh added that a backhoe has been used to open two access routes through the centre of the burnt area.
This allows crews to put out remaining spot fires and smouldering hotspots.
He said the surrounding area is under close surveillance to prevent the fire from spreading beyond Bio Desaru.
“Many of the interior fires have gone out. Operations are ongoing in strong, windy conditions,” he said.