Firefighters make progress in battling peat swamp fire in Sebana Cove

Firefighters have successfully brought approximately 67.7% of a peat swamp fire in Sebana Cove, Kota Tinggi, under control. As of 2 p.m. today, 34.8 hectares of the total 51.4 hectares affected have been extinguished. The operation is being led by Deputy Fire Superintendent II Baharuddin Idris, who reported that Sector A, covering 35.6 hectares, has seen 19 hectares or 53.4% extinguished, while Sector B, spanning 15.8 hectares, is now 100% extinguished.

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Sector A recorded an area of 35.6 hectares with 19 hectares or 53.4 percent of it extinguished, while for Sector B, an area of 15.8 hectares, the firefighting work has reached 100 percent.

The firefighting effort involves personnel from four Fire and Rescue stations: Sebana, Punggai, Penawar, and Sungai Rengit. A team of two officers and 36 members are engaged in the operation. They are facing significant physical challenges, including strong winds, intense heat, difficult access routes, and limited water sources. The nature of peat soil, which can retain embers beneath the surface, also poses a risk of reignition.

Despite these challenges, the fire, which was first detected on Monday, has not led to any injuries, fatalities, or the need for local resident evacuations. The focus remains on fully containing and extinguishing the remaining hot spots to prevent further spread and potential recurrence.

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The members at the scene are facing various physical challenges including strong winds, scorching hot weather, difficulty of access, and limited water sources.

The ongoing efforts highlight the dedication of the emergency services in managing difficult environmental conditions and protecting the local area from the destructive impact of peat fires.

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The nature of the peat soil terrain, which can store embers below the surface, also causes the area to be prone to re-burning.