TATAU: Firefighting efforts in Kuala Tatau Serupai, Tatau, entered their fourth consecutive day today as a bush and peatland fire continues to spread towards nearby farmland.
Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) said the fire, which broke out on March 20, affected an estimated five hectares, with three hectares already extinguished.
Firefighters said the blaze remains far from residential areas but has spread closer to local farms, posing challenges to containment.
On March 23, Bomba personnel resumed operations at 8:43 am, monitoring the fire before carrying out suppression activities.
Due to limited water sources on the ground, the department requested aerial assistance.
The Bomba Air Unit from Miri arrived at 10:51 am, conducting 15 water-bombing runs using a Mi-171 helicopter on multiple hotspots.
Aerial operations were reported to be ongoing throughout the day.
A total of 11 firefighters from Tatau Fire and Rescue Station and 14 personnel from the Miri Air Unit were involved, supported by ground vehicles.
Authorities confirmed no casualties have been reported, and no other agencies are involved in the firefighting efforts.
Bomba reminded residents to stay alert and avoid areas near the fire until the situation is fully under control.
