Fire erupts near Penang Hill, quickly contained
The blaze involved a forested area on a hillside slope and required swift action to prevent it from spreading further.
GEORGE TOWN – A forest fire covering an estimated 0.4 hectares at the foothills of Penang Hill along Jalan Air Itam on Sunday was successfully brought under control by the Penang Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), with no injuries reported.
Penang JBPM Assistant Director of Firefighting and Rescue Operations, John Sagun Francis said the department received an emergency call at 3.41pm and fire engines from the Paya Terubong Fire and Rescue Station arrived at the scene within five minutes.
He said the blaze involved a forested area on a hillside slope and required swift action to prevent it from spreading further.
“Upon arrival, firemen carried out an initial size-up while wearing full personal protective equipment before commencing containment and extinguishing operations.
“They also constructed fire breaks to prevent the fire from spreading,” he said in a statement.
The fire, he said, was brought under control at 4.46pm with assistance from several nearby fire stations as well as volunteer fire brigades (PBS) to expedite the operation.
“Firefighting efforts involved the use of fire beaters, jet shooters and direct attack methods through relay pumping techniques.
“The fire was fully extinguished at 8.05pm, followed by overhaul work to ensure there were no remaining hotspots that could reignite,” he added.
He said the operation was concluded at 8.30pm after the area was confirmed to be safe.
“A total of 125 personnel, including station chiefs, were involved, with fire engines deployed from the Paya Terubong, Jalan Lebuh Pantai, Paya Seri Balik Pulau and Bayan Baru fire stations.
“Volunteer fire brigades from Bukit Bendera, Mount Erskine and Paya Terubong also assisted. No casualties were reported and the incident did not require assistance from external agencies,” he said.
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