THE Fire and Rescue Department has identified 406 fire hotspots across the country via satellite.

Fire and Rescue operations director Ahmad Irzam Osman said the areas at risk of fire include Mukah and Miri in Sarawak; Dungun and Kemaman in Terengganu; Kuantan in Pahang; Pasir Mas and Bachok in Kelantan; and the Kuala Langat Utara Forest Reserve.

He said the authorities are monitoring the areas through patrols and aerial surveys with helicopters or drones.

“So far, level-one hot weather has been detected in Padang Terap, Kedah and Jempol, Negri Sembilan.

“Residents in the affected areas are reminded to be alert because daily temperatures have reached 35 to 37C for three consecutive days,” he told Bernama recently.

Irzam said 4,106 cases of open burning were logged as of end-March.

“We expect the number to further grow following a forecast of hot weather until August.

“Peat fires are also categorised as open burning because they involve large-scale burning that may be triggered by the current weather conditions,” he said, adding that the department is prepared for such blazes. – Bernama, May 5, 2023.