The affected area was initially about five hectares, said Punggai Fire and Rescue Station chief Ezam Mistorerrodin, as reported by news outlet The Star.
A firefighter sustained burn injuries while battling the fire while 153 residents from 50 families have been evacuated and are being housed in two relief centres, according to local media reports.
The dense smoke blanketed housing areas, causing breathing difficulties and reduced visibility. As of Tuesday, residential areas remained shrouded in thick white smoke and a strong burning smell.
The Johor fire department said in a Facebook post on Tuesday that its operation has faced “challenges due to limited water sources and difficult access routes to the fire site”.
It has deployed a drone unit to help in assessing the rate of spread and terrain conditions, it said.
A total of 26 department personnel are involved in the firefighting operation and their equipment includes a fire rescue tender (which carries water), a mobile pumping unit and a three-tonne lorry.
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/johor-pengerang-peatland-fire-water-bombing-haze-5890436
