BEAUFORT: A fire which broke out at the Binsulok Forest Reserve here nine days ago destroyed about 274 hectares of the forest.
State Forest Conservation chief Datuk Mashor Mohd Jaini said 24 fire crew from the Sabah Forestry Department were still working to extinguish fires in the peat lands of Binsuluk Forest Reserve.
"The fire that started on March 21 has now entered its ninth day and operations to control and stop the fire are ongoing.
"As at March 27, some 274 hectares of the Binsuluk Forests Reserve were destroyed in the vicinity of Kampung Kubu, Takuli, Purun.
"Our operation managed to contain the fire from spreading further to a bigger area," he said in a statement today.
Mashor said the ire was suspectedto have started from fishing activities and subsequently led to the destruction of the riverbank.
The cause of the fire was also believed to be due to open burning in the outer forest area which then spread to the forest.
"Efforts to control and extinguish fires are challenging as it is difficult to see the underground peat fires. Underground fires will spread slowly and release continuous thick smoke until the peat land burns out if not extinguished," explained Manshor.
He added lack of access to the scene also made it hard to bring the fire under control.
"All fire extinguishers including the water pump had to be carried and personnel had to walk two kilometres to reach the affected area.
"Source of water supply to clear the area was also limited due to the prolonged drought," he added.
Manshor stressed the department along with other relevant agencies will continue to monitor the forest fire throughout the movement control order period.