60 forest fires caused by El Nino in Gerik

A total of 60 cases of forest fires were reported to have occurred in Hulu Perak district throughout last month following the hot and dry weather due to the El Nino phenomenon.

Gerik Fire and Rescue Station chief Azizul Aswad Asaris said most of the fires were believed to be due to the irresponsible attitude of the public, who threw cigarette butts as well as open burning.

"Fire spreads easily when the people are careless and not sensitive to the hot weather condition," he said when contacted here today.

Azizul Aswad said in the latest incident on Saturday, a six-hectare area at the foothill in Jalan Kekabu Kampung Pahat Luar here was razed by fire believed to be caused by cigarette butts.