30 Acres Of Peat Forest Ablaze In Bukit Naning

MUAR, Jan 31 (Bernama) -- Approximately 12 hectares (30 acres) of peat forest at Batu 13, Bukit Naning, near the Johor State Farmers' Organisation (PPNJ) Estate, was reported to be on fire today.

Operations Commander, Fire Superintendent II Norshuhada Amasari, said upon receiving a call at 9:00 am today, a total of 15 personnel from the Muar Fire and Rescue Station (BBP), assisted by 10 personnel from Zone 4 BBP, rushed to the scene.

He noted that the firefighting operation, located 27 kilometers (km) from the Muar station, involved the station’s Team B supported by one Fire Rescue Tender (FRT), an Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) unit, a three-tonne truck, three Rapid Intervention Motorcycles (RIM), and a water tanker.

“Upon arrival at the location, our team found a forest area along with part of a palm oil plantation covering approximately 30 acres, on fire. We have carried out firefighting operations divided into two sectors (A and B).

“For Sector A, involving the initial 20 acres, the operation utilised a 700-foot hose line, three breeching units, four nozzles, one pump unit, and an open water source,” he said in a statement today.

He added that for Sector B (10 acres), the extinguishing method involved two 600-foot hose lines, two breeching units, three nozzles, and one pump unit provided by the Air Hitam Voluntary Fire Brigade (PBS).

“This operation also involves several other agencies, including six members of the Voluntary Fire Brigade, five from the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM), four police officers, five from the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS), five from PPNJ, and five from the Public Works Department (JKR).

“Also deployed were two water tankers from Ranhill SAJ Sdn Bhd (SAJ) and one from the Muar Municipal Council (MPM). As of 5:00 pm today, firefighting operations are still ongoing,” he said.

--BERNAMA