Firefighters Battle 51-Hectare Peat Fire in Kota Tinggi Amid Hot Weather and Strong Winds

KOTA TINGGI, Aug 25 — Firefighters are battling a 51.4-hectare peat fire along Jalan Bypass Sebana Cove-Punggai, with hot weather, strong winds, and limited water supply complicating suppression efforts.

Operations Commander Deputy Fire Supt II Baharuddin Idris reported today that 9.7 per cent of the fire in Sector A (35.6 hectares) and the entire area of Sector B (15.8 hectares) have been brought under control.

“Our main challenges are strong winds, hot weather and limited water supply. We get water by using water tankers with the help of related agencies, including Ranhill SAJ,” Baharuddin said at the scene.

He added that no new fires have been detected in the area and no casualties have been reported.

Firefighters are utilizing direct attack methods while awaiting the arrival of specialized amphibious excavators capable of operating in peat and forest terrain to construct firebreaks, particularly in Sector A.

While Sector B remains under control, Baharuddin cautioned that strong winds pose a risk of the fire spreading in Sector A if firebreaks are not established quickly.

The affected location is classified as agricultural land, with a small section comprising an oil palm plantation owned by Keledang FELDA, while the surrounding area remains uncultivated.

The blaze does not pose an immediate threat to residential areas, with the nearest housing settlements located at Sebana Cove, approximately three kilometres away, and Punggai, four to five kilometres distant. However, the bypass road has been closed to the public since 2:00 pm yesterday.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. A total of 21 personnel, including four Civil Defence Force members, are currently deployed in the firefighting operation.

Meanwhile, Tanjung Surat Assemblyman Aznan Tamin advised residents in nearby settlements, particularly Taman Bayu Damai and Punggai, to wear face masks due to a slight increase in the Air Pollutant Index (API) reading to 125. He also urged the public to strictly avoid open burning during the ongoing dry spell and to utilize alternative travel routes while the bypass remains closed.

–NMT