The Pahang Fire and Rescue Department recorded 87 open fire cases in just seven days, with the hot weather heightening the risk of rapid fire spread.
KUANTAN: The Pahang Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) recorded 87 cases of open fires over a seven-day period from March 18 to 24.
The peak occurred on March 22 and March 24, with 16 cases reported on each of those days.
Deputy Director of Operations and Rescue, Mohd Salahuddin Isa, said 30 incidents were recorded from March 18 to 20. A further 27 cases were reported from March 21 to 22, with another 30 from March 23 to 24.
“In total, we received 87 reports of open fires over the week, averaging 12 incidents per day,” he said when contacted.
Most fires involved scrubland and grassy areas near residential zones, highways, cemeteries, and industrial areas. The Kuantan district recorded the highest frequency of incidents.
Mohd Salahuddin noted that operational personnel remain sufficient, with additional support available from other districts if needed.
He urged the public to refrain from open burning. He warned that the current hot spell increases the risk of fires spreading rapidly.