Gelugor: 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 stated that 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.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, 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. John Sagun Francis explained that 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.