Johor Fire and Rescue Department’s five-pronged strategy brings 80% of a major Pengerang peat fire under control, allowing evacuated residents to return home.
KOTA TINGGI: Firefighting operations at a peat soil fire in Pengerang are 80% complete as of 1 pm today.
The Johor Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) deployed five key strategies to achieve this.
Operations Commander Rasidi Md Yunos said 79.64 hectares of the total 99.55-hectare affected area is now under control.
The fire has been extinguished in these sections.
The strategies included aerial water bombing and digging perimeter trenches to act as fire breaks.
Firefighters also conducted direct water attacks and deployed eight sprinkler units near residential boundaries.
A total flooding technique using hydro-sub pumps and Department of Environment high-pressure pumps was also employed.
“These five strategies have yielded significant results in the fire suppression operation,” Rasidi said.
The operation mobilised 66 personnel along with fire engines and a helicopter.
It involved cooperation from multiple agencies including police, civil defence, and the Pengerang Municipal Council.
Johor JBPM Deputy Director Muhammad Al Mustakim Abdul Hady was optimistic the fire could be fully extinguished today.
“God willing, if weather conditions permit, we can put it out today,” he stated.
He added that operations would continue to ensure no embers remain that could cause reignition.
The JBPM Air Unit used an MI-17-IV helicopter to access difficult sectors D and E.
With conditions improved, 157 residents from 51 families have been allowed to return home.
They had been evacuated to two temporary relief centres.
