Bagan serai: Firemen are expected to fully extinguish a 23.47-hectare bushfire in Kampung Tersusun Tebuk Panchor, Gunung Semanggol near Bagan Serai by tomorrow, says Perak Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) director Sayani Saidon. She said the department would conduct thorough monitoring to ensure no hidden sources of fire remained in the affected area.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sayani mentioned that if no more flames reappear and they are confident that the fire has been completely extinguished, there is a possibility the firefighting operation could end tomorrow. However, this depends on the results of monitoring this evening. The fire, now in its third day, is more under control compared to yesterday, with only two hot spots still emitting smoke. Sayani shared these updates after conducting an aerial survey of the affected area.

Today’s firefighting operation involved about 40 personnel, assisted by volunteer firefighters from Lembah Beriah and Alor Pongsu, along with members of the Malaysian Civil Defence Force. Meanwhile, Sayani highlighted the challenges faced by rescuers, such as the hot weather and the need to carry firefighting equipment up the hill.

The personnel had to carry heavy equipment, including hose reels, up a hill about 500 feet high and then manually assemble the equipment. Sayani noted that the rescuers had to act swiftly to prevent the fire from spreading to other areas. The fire, which started around 3 pm on Thursday, is believed to have been caused by prolonged hot weather. The last time a fire occurred in the area was in 2023.