Malaysia: Extreme weather behind Mulu National Park’s fire

ESTHER LANDAU New Straits Times 12 Jul 14;

KUCHING: Punishing heat over the week in Miri may have caused fire at the Mulu National Park.

Marudi Fire and Rescue Department chief Zulbadar Alior said the fire was not from an open burning activity but from the extreme hot temperature.

"It has been a dry week in Miri and it may have caused the fire," said Zulbadar when contacted.

He said it is difficult for the firemen to put out the flame at the moment as it is difficult to find water supply in that area.

"Even the river in the park could not supply enough water as it is almost dry," he said adding that the firemen are still searching for nearby water supply.

Zulbadar however said he is unsure of the immensity of the forest damaged by the fire as they are still in the process of investigation.

"We will monitor the situation from time to time as for now i could not give any answer on how big is the damage caused by the fire," said Zulbadar.

Marudi Fire and Rescue Department received the distress call at 9am and dispatched 10 firemen with an air wing unit to Mulu National Park.

No casualties were reported.

Ends