51.4-hectare peatland fire in Pengerang fully extinguished
KOTA TINGGI: A 51.4-hectare peatland fire along Jalan Bypass Punggai-Sebana Cove in Pengerang, near here, was fully extinguished by the Johor Fire and Rescue Department today, with operations ending around noon.
KOTA TINGGI: A significant peatland fire in Pengerang, spanning 51.4 hectares, has been fully extinguished by the Johor Fire and Rescue Department today, concluding operations around noon. Reported on August 24, the blaze prompted a coordinated response from four Fire and Rescue stations based in Sebana Cove, Punggai, Bandar Penawar, and Sungai Rengit.
Senior operations commander Deputy Fire Superintendent II Baharuddin Idris revealed that firefighting efforts targeted Sector A, comprising 35.6 hectares along the main road, and Sector B, covering 15.8 hectares in the boundary area. Both sectors have now been completely subdued. In a statement today, he confirmed that no victims were trapped or harmed, and no residents were evacuated to temporary relief centers throughout the firefighting operations.
Firefighters encountered difficulties due to high temperatures and strong winds, which accelerated the spread of embers through the peat layer. The scarcity of open water sources and the challenging conditions of narrow road shoulders with soft soil further complicated the firefighting process. To overcome the water supply constraints, the Johor Fire and Rescue Department employed a relay pumping system involving 12 water tankers on shuttle runs.
Firebreaks were constructed using two excavators, assisted by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage and Ranhill SAJ.
While the firefighting operations have concluded, the Fire department and its Drone Unit will persist in monitoring the area to prevent any potential rekindling of the fire.
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