KUCHING: Firefighters are continuing efforts to contain ongoing peatland and bush fires in Daro and Tatau, with operations entering their third and seventh days respectively as of today (Mar 29).
In Daro, the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) reported that the bush fire at Kampung Penasu, which began on Mar 27, is now in its third day of operations.
Firefighters from the Daro station have been carrying out suppression efforts using the flooding technique, deploying two hose lines stretching 1,700 feet with three nozzles.
Bomba has also mobilised its aerial support to assist ground crews in controlling the fire.
A Mi-171 helicopter, along with 12 crew members, was deployed from the Sarawak Regional Air Base in Miri at 9.30 am.
The aircraft arrived at the scene around noon and conducted water bombing operations for about one and a half hours, releasing approximately 40,000 litres of water sourced from Sungai Hulu Seredang.
“The water bombing targeted the fire perimeter to prevent further spread.
“Based on aerial risk assessment, the fire is now under control due to the presence of firebreak drainage around the affected area,” said the department.
Following the assessment, the aerial operations were called off, with firefighting efforts handed over fully to ground personnel to continue extinguishing hotspots and carrying out overhaul works.
Meanwhile in Tatau, a separate peatland fire at Kuala Tatau Serupai has entered its seventh day since it was first reported on Mar 23.
Firefighters from the Tatau fire station, supported by personnel from Bintulu, Samalaju and Kidurong, conducted monitoring and suppression operations in the area, located about four kilometres from the main control post.
Bomba said the situation is under control, adding that firefighting efforts were carried out using a portable pump, with water sourced from nearby drainage channels.
A total of 15 personnel were involved in the operation, assisted by other agencies including the Civil Defence Force (APM), plantation workers, Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB), and the police.
No casualties have been reported in both incidents.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, with ground teams remaining on site to ensure the fires are fully extinguished and to prevent any reignition.
