Firefighters have contained more than half of a large peat fire in Pengerang here with operations ongoing for nearly a week after flames broke out on Jan 23, reported NST
The blaze, which erupted at Sungai Kapal and Taman Bayu Damai, has affected about 99 hectares, which is roughly the size of about 140 football fields.
So far, about 52 per cent were successfully extinguished this morning.
There are no casualties.
The Fire and Rescue Department said the dry weather, strong winds and the nature of peat soil, which burns underground, caused the fire to spread rapidly, sending thick smoke towards nearby residential areas.
Some 153 victims from 50 households were evacuated to two relief centres after thick smoke from the fire entered their housing area.
The department operations commander, Sabri Ramli, said firebreaks were key in preventing the blaze from spreading further.
Innovative equipment, including the “GS Mark III” peat fire suppression system developed by the Kluang fire station, was also deployed to accelerate extinguishing efforts.
The GS Mark III works by injecting water directly into the peat layer, targeting underground hotspots rather than just the surface.
