Eight ha of Kuala Tatau-Serupai forest fire extinguished, 66 ha under control

BINTULU (March 31): Firefighters have successfully extinguished about eight hectares of the 74-hectare forest fire in Kuala Tatau-Serupai as of today, leaving approximately 66 hectares still affected but under control.

The Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) Operations Centre in a statement said the remaining fire is being closely monitored to prevent further spread.

“Another two hectares of the fire were self-extinguished before firefighting teams could intervene,” the department added, noting that operations have now entered their ninth day.

Although the fire has been largely contained since yesterday, efforts continue to fully extinguish remaining hotspots.

Since 9.51am today, a team from the Tatau Bomba Station has been on standby with two water pumps and necessary equipment to respond to any flare-ups.

Firefighters, assisted by nearby plantation workers, are conducting continuous inspections to prevent the fire from reaching adjacent oil palm estates.

Plantation management had earlier taken preventive measures by creating firebreaks, including digging trenches, to stop the fire from spreading to other areas.

Authorities said further updates on the situation will be provided as needed.