After 3 Weeks Pulau Burung Landfill Fire Successfully Put Out

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The landfill fire began on Jan 12 and nearby residents were evacuated, while 10 schools were ordered to close. (Bernama pic)NIBONG TEBAL: The fire on more than 11 hectares of the Pulau Burung landfill here is almost extinguished.
Penang environment and welfare committee chairman Phee Boon Poh said today the Seberang Perai Selatan (SPS) district disaster management committee had found that 98% of the fire, which began on Jan 12, had been successfully extinguished.
“After nearly three weeks, we managed to put out nearly 98% of the fire in the landfill area, with only 2% still burning in Sector 5 today.
“Based on information from the disaster committee, the blaze has been successfully brought under control. However, the operation is still continuing with water-pumping work, among others, in the area,” he said.
He said work to put out the fire, which was previously carried out by the fire department and assisted by the Penang Island City Council, the civil defence force and the volunteer fire brigade, would be continued by the Seberang Perai City Council and the landfill management company, PLB Terang Sdn Bhd.
Phee also said that a relief centre for residents evacuated from the area near the landfill fire and the disaster operations control centre would continue to operate.
He said 44 people from 10 families had been placed at the centre in SK Saujana Indah since Jan 16 and they would be allowed to return home once the air quality in the area was safe.
“Today, the air pollutant index reading at SJKT Ladang Byram station recorded a moderate level (79), which is better than yesterday (88),” he said.
The landfill fire began at about 5pm on Jan 12 and nearby residents were asked to evacuate to the centre, while 10 schools in the vicinity were ordered to close.
On Jan 22, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said a re-investigation by the fire department on the landfill found that the area consisted of more than 33 hectares, with about 11 hectares on fire. - FMT

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