Peatland, bush fire spreads to eight hectares in Kuala Tatau

TATAU (March 23): A peatland and bush fire at Kuala Tatau, Serupai, has spread to about eight hectares, with firefighters intensifying efforts to contain the blaze.

According to the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) Operations Centre, the fire was reported at 4.03pm on Monday, prompting a response from the Tatau fire station, located about 40km from the scene.

“The fire has spread to an estimated eight hectares, with about three hectares successfully extinguished so far.

“The affected area is far from nearby villages and difficult to access,” the operations centre said in a statement.

Firefighters resumed suppression operations early this morning, beginning with monitoring to assess the fire’s spread before commencing extinguishing efforts.

Due to limited open water sources at the location, Bomba’s air unit from Miri was deployed to assist.

The helicopter began water-bombing operations at 10.51am, carrying out multiple drops over affected hotspots.

“As of 2pm (March 26), the air unit has conducted 30 water-bombing operations, sourcing water from the sea. The aircraft has since returned to Bintulu Airport for refuelling,” the statement added.

A total of 11 firefighters, assisted by 14 personnel from the air unit, are involved in the operation, using a Mi-171 helicopter and several ground vehicles.

No casualties have been reported.