FIREFIGHTERS BATTLE 2.43-HECTARE BUSHFIRE IN SALAK TINGGI, OPERATION STILL ONGOING

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 31 (Bernama) -- Firefighters are working to extinguish a bushfire in Salak Tinggi that has spread to 2.43 hectares, with efforts hampered by difficult access routes for fire engines and strong winds.

KLIA Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) Zone 5 chief Senior Fire Superintendent II Mohamad Issmanto Md Pono, when contacted at about 9 pm, said the firefighting operation was expected to take another four to five hours, depending on weather conditions and wind strength in the area.

“The current strategy focuses on preventing the fire from spreading into nearby residential areas,” he said.

He said the situation remained under control, and firefighters were continuing their efforts to extinguish the blaze at the site.

“The situation is still under control as there is a safe distance between the affected areas and the residential zone,” he added.

Mohamad Issmanto said the KLIA Fire and Rescue Station (BBP) received a distress call at 4.32 pm today, and the team arrived at the scene 14 minutes later.

“Upon arriving at the scene, firefighters found that 1.2 acres (0.49 hectares) of bushland were on fire, which later spread to six acres (2.43 hectares). They are still working to bring the blaze under control,” he said.

The operation, led by Senior Fire Officer I (KUP) Muhammad Asrull Ariffin, involves seven firefighters, with assistance from five personnel from the Dengkil BBP.

-- BERNAMA