Johor peat fire spreads to 99.54 hectares, NEA says S'pore may experience haze

Singapore may be affected by haze as a result of the spreading peat fire in Johor, Malaysia.

In a Facebook post on Jan. 27, the National Environment Agency (NEA) said winds could "transport smoke haze from any persistent fires toward Singapore".

According to Bernama, the ongoing peat soil fire in the Punggai area in the Kota Tinggi district have expanded to 99.54 hectares on Jan. 27.

Dry weather and prevailing winds may transport smoke haze: NEA

In its post, NEA said dry weather, coupled with winds blowing from the north and northeast, may send smoke haze from persistent fires toward Singapore.

Earlier on Jan. 27, hotspots detection was deterred due to "dense cloud cover" blocking satellite views in the northern part of Singapore.

However, the agency observed that the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) remained between 39 to 61, falling within the good to moderate range as of 6pm.

28 per cent of fire extinguished, 124 people evacuated

Punggai Fire and Rescue Station chief Ezam Mistorrerdodin said local fire and rescue officers attended to the fire, which sent thick smoke into the Taman Bayu Damai residential area in Pengerang.

Ezam said 28 per cent of the fire had been effectively extinguished as firefighting efforts are ongoing.

Firefighters will also carry out water bombing in the area on Jan. 28.

According to Bernama, the area has been covered with thick smoke, which causes breathing difficulties and lowered visibility.

A total of 124 people were evacuated and being sheltered at temporary relief centres as of Jan. 27, reported The Star.

Schools in the affected areas will be ordered to close if smoke from the fire causes the Air Pollutant Index (API) to reach unhealthy levels, it was also reported.

Top photos via Aznan Tamin/Facebook