Peatland Fire in Punggai Spreads, Thick Smoke Blankets Residential Areas

KUALA LUMPUR – A peatland fire in the Punggai district has escalated, causing thick, acrid smoke to envelop nearby residential neighborhoods. The situation has raised concerns among local residents regarding air quality and potential health risks.

The Johor Fire and Rescue Department (BBP) reported that the blaze, which started in a remote area of peat soil, quickly spread due to dry weather conditions and strong winds. The underground nature of peat fires has made containment efforts particularly challenging for emergency teams.

Operations Commander Senior Fire Officer II, Mohd Syamsul Razali, stated that firemen are currently working around the clock to create firebreaks and suppress the flames. “The fire is spreading beneath the surface, which produces a significant amount of smoke. We are utilizing specialized water pumps to saturate the ground and prevent further expansion,” he said.

Local residents have reported visibility issues on nearby roads, with the haze entering homes and causing respiratory discomfort. Authorities have advised the public to minimize outdoor activities and wear face masks if they must leave their houses.

As of now, several hectares of land have been affected. The fire department has deployed additional personnel and equipment from neighboring stations to bolster the firefighting operations. While the cause of the fire is still under investigation, officials have urged the public to refrain from any open burning activities during this dry spell.

Efforts to completely extinguish the peat fire are expected to take several days, depending on weather conditions and water availability in the area.