FOREST FIRE SCORCHES 1.2 HECTARES IN GELUGOR

GEORGE TOWN, March 23 (Bernama) -- A forest fire at Taman Bukit Gambir in Gelugor near here today destroyed about 1.2 hectares of woodland.

Penang Fire and Rescue Department assistant operations director John Sagun Francis said the department received an emergency call at 1.51 pm and a team from the Jalan Perak Fire and Rescue Station arrived at the scene at 2.07 pm.

“The firefighting operation was divided into two sectors, with personnel using fire beaters and jet shooters. A fire break was also established to prevent the blaze from spreading,” he said when contacted.

He said nine personnel were involved in the operation, supported by a fire engine, an Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) unit and a utility vehicle.

The fire was brought under control at 3.53 pm and fully extinguished at 4.15 pm, with no casualties reported.

“Overhaul works are ongoing to ensure there are no remaining embers that could reignite the fire,” he said.

-- BERNAMA