Firefighters battling 350 acres of wildfires in Miri

MIRI, Feb 24: Bush and peat fires have returned to haunt the city after more than 350 acres of land were razed today.

Entering the second day operations, 35 firefighters are battling the wildfires from spreading to other parts of the city.

Miri Fire and Rescue chief, Supt Law Poh Kiong, said yesterday, the fire has ravaged about 100 acres of land belonging to Naim Holdings at (Lot 3711) Kuala Baram, 10 acres at a watermelon farm near Miri Go-kart, 10 acres at Bayshore Housing Estate in Lutong and four acres (burning by farmers) behind Eastwood Valley.

“Excavators belonging to Pantai Bayu are now working on fire breaks behind Eastwood to prevent the spread into their property, just like what happened in 2019, and to prevent further burning by farmers.

“Over at Bayshore, firefighters are using direct attack method with water from the fire truck and tanks,” Law said in a statement.

Aerial view of bush fire at Lot 3711 Kuala Baram taken from a drone.

As at 1.30pm, volunteer firefighters from Miri Port have joined in the efforts to fight wildfires at Lot 3711.

Firefighters battling wildfires in Miri.

Law added that weather forecast in Miri will be dry and data has showed that drought season will drag on until April. — DayakDaily