THE current hot and dry spell has been the cause of 594 fires in Terengganu this year, state Fire and Rescue Department director Hassan ‘As’ari Omar said.

He added that 421 fires were on farms, or in forests and undergrowth due to the dry spell that started in March.

“Other cases reported involved buildings, houses, vehicles and appliances, but this number remains small.

“There were 250 fires in March alone,” he said in Kuala Terengganu today.

Hassan added that only 20% of the 806 firefighters and officers in the state will get Raya leave, while the majority will be on duty, including patrolling 10 high-risk areas.

The locations include Kampung Telaga Papan, Lembah Bidong, Saujana and Kg Merang in Setiu; Kampung Gong Badak, Batu Rakit and Tok Jembal in Kuala Nerus; Kampungg Jambu Bongkok and Kampung Kelulut in Marang and Rantau Abang in Dungun. – Bernama, April 17, 2023.