Johor: A recent spate of open burning incidents in the state has raised public concern, especially when fires involve large areas and pose risks to public safety and health. According to statistics from the Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), 3,565 open burning cases were recorded nationwide from Jan 1 to 30, with six large-scale open fires reported in Johor throughout January. Johor JBPM statistics show that the biggest incident was reported along Jalan Sungai Kapal, Taman Bayu Damai, Pengerang, involving a peatland fire covering nearly 100 hectares. The fire, which broke out on Sunday, was only fully extinguished yesterday.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Prof Dr Adnan Zainorabidin, head of the Soft Soil Research Centre (RECESS), Institute of Integrated Engineering (I2E), Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM), highlighted the complexity of fighting peatland fires. These fires are challenging due to the physical characteristics of organic soil, differing significantly from mineral soil. Peatland fires spread not only on the surface but also burn underground, depending on the depth of peat in the area. The organic material in peat layers allows embers to smoulder long after surface fires have been extinguished, raising the risk of fires reigniting.
Dr. Adnan emphasized the need for specialized firefighting strategies, substantial water use, and prolonged monitoring. The varying depths of peat between locations also contribute to the challenge, with some areas having depths of two meters, while others reach up to 20 meters. This allows embers to burn for weeks or even months, complicating early detection and increasing the danger.
Peat soil's unique properties, such as its high natural moisture content, play a role in fire dynamics. Studies by UTHM indicate moisture levels in Malaysian peat range from 100 to 800 percent. However, during hot, dry weather, moisture decreases, making the soil's porous structure more flammable, thus escalating fire spread within peat layers.
Additionally, Prof Dr Ahmad Safuan A Rashid from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia noted that unlike conventional fires, peatland fires spread horizontally and vertically within organic layers, with hidden embers smouldering even when the surface appears extinguished. These fires are major contributors to carbon emissions and haze, impacting ecosystems, biodiversity, and public health.
To mitigate these risks, long-term measures are recommended, such as restoring peatland hydrology, maintaining moisture levels by blocking drainage, continuous monitoring of embers, and educating communities on the importance of protecting peat ecosystems as carbon sinks.