2026 sees spike in fire cases, bush fires most critical

KOTA BHARU – Fire incidents have risen again in 2026 after recording a significant decline the previous year, with bush fires remaining the main contributor nationwide.

Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) Deputy Director-General (Operations) Datuk Ahmad Izram Osman said the increase is still under control and should not cause public panic.

He said the department remains prepared for any eventuality, including mobilising assistance from other states if there is a shortage of personnel in affected areas.

“There is indeed an increase in fire cases during the dry season but the situation remains under control.

“The public need not panic. If personnel in affected states are insufficient, we will deploy personnel from other states to ensure the situation remains stable,” he said at a press conference on Tuesday.

Earlier, he officiated the 2025 Excellent Service Awards (APC) ceremony and the 30-Year Service Certificate presentation for JBPM Kelantan here.

He said that based on JBPM’s statistical analysis over a three-year period, the total number of fire incidents stood at 16,294 cases in 2024 before dropping to 9,941 in 2025.

However, the figure rose again to 12,938 cases in 2026, raising concerns over the effectiveness of existing control measures.

He added that bush fires accounted for the largest share, contributing more than 80 per cent of total cases.

“In 2024, a total of 13,182 bush fire cases were recorded, decreasing to 7,984 in 2025 before rising again to 11,147 cases this year.

“Meanwhile, forest fires showed a consistent downward trend, from 2,164 cases in 2024 to 1,047 in 2026,” he said.

Izram also noted that plantation and agricultural fires recorded a steady decline, from 948 cases to 744 over the same period.

Further commenting, he said the resurgence in fire cases this year is believed to be due to hot and dry weather, as well as uncontrolled open burning activities and insufficient monitoring in high-risk areas.

As such, he stressed that several improvements must be implemented, including stricter enforcement against open burning and increased patrols in high-risk zones.

“In addition, public awareness campaigns must be intensified, while the use of technology such as drones and early warning systems should be expanded, alongside strengthening cooperation among relevant agencies,” he said.

Izram said the renewed rise in fire cases in 2026 is a clear signal that prevention efforts must be continuously enhanced, particularly in tackling bush fires, which remain the main challenge.