Hot weather and strong winds complicate firefighting as 51‑hectare Kota Tinggi peat blaze rages

KOTA TINGGI, Aug 25 — As sweltering weather and gusty winds hamper firefighting, a 51.4-hectare peat blaze along Jalan Bypass Sebana Cove-Punggai has been raging for 24 hours. Operations commander, Deputy Fire Supt II Baharuddin Idris reported that 9.7% of the fire in Sector A, which spans 35.6 hectares, and all of Sektor B (15.8 hectares) are currently under control.

"Our primary obstacles are strong winds, high temperatures, and a shortage of water," Baharuddin explained, adding that they rely on tankers provided by allied agencies, including Ranhill SAJ, to secure necessary water supplies. No new fires have been reported in the vicinity, and no casualties have been recorded.

Baharuddin outlined their approach as direct attacks, pending the arrival of two additional excavators at noon. These excavators, capable of operating in peat and forest environments, are vital for establishing firebreaks, particularly in Sector A. He cautioned that stronger winds could exacerbate the situation but expressed optimism about containing the fire in Sector B if temperatures remain moderate.

"Our hope is to extinguish the fire in Sector B, yet we still require assistance in creating firebreaks in Sector A," Baharuddin stated.

The fire has not posed a threat to residential zones, as the closest housing is located three kilometers away in Sebana Cove, while Punggai is situated four to five kilometers away. The road has been barricaded since yesterday at 2pm. The area is categorized as agricultural land, with a small portion being an oil palm plantation owned by Keledang Felda, while the remainder remains uncultivated.

The origin of the fire remains undetermined, and authorities are actively investigating. Baharuddin noted that individuals may enter the area to fish, but this has not been conclusively linked to the cause.

Tanah Tanjam Surat assemblyman Aznan Tamin urged locals to adhere to authorities' directives and refrain from utilizing the closed Punggai bypass, urging them to use alternative routes instead. He also cautioned residents, especially those in Taman Bayu Damai and Punggai, to wear facemasks if exposed to dense smoke, as the Air Pollution Index (API) in the region has risen to 125. Emphasizing the importance of vigilance, Aznan Tamin urged the public to avoid open burning, particularly during periods of intense heat.