Forest fires in N. Sembilan caused by open burning

Open burning has caused more than 40 hectares of forest and bush fires in Negeri Sembilan (NS) on Saturday.

State Fire and Rescue Department director Norazam Khamis said they received 32 calls reporting such fires on Saturday with calls still coming in as of 6.30 pm.

"The latest was from Rembau bordering Tampin involving an 8.1 hectare area. Effective Saturday we have frozen all leave for firefighters. The Rembau and Tampin stations have been assisting as well," he told reporters here on Saturday.

Meanwhile, he said eight chalets and two office cabins at a long abandoned resort were razed in a fire at Kampung Belakang, Kuala Sawah near here on Saturday evening.

"Initial investigations found the blaze was caused by open burning at the nearby forest area and spread quickly due to dry and windy conditions," he said.