SHAH ALAM, Sept 13 — A fire that broke out in a secondary forest along the hiking trails at Bukit Lipat Kajang, Taman Sri Andalas, is believed to have been caused by the hot and dry weather.
Sri Andalas Fire and Rescue Department chief Mohd Hisam Mat Yasih said the prolonged heat had dried out vegetation in the area, increasing the risk of fire.
According to The Star, he said the fire was first detected at about 11am on September 3, with eight firefighters deployed to put it out.
“Although we managed to extinguish the fire, we had to return over the next two days as several areas were still smoldering,” he said.
Mohd Hisam said firefighters returned to the site yesterday after embers reignited at several spots.
The team hosed down parts of the Bukit Lipat Kajang peak to prevent the fire from spreading.
“Our firefighters acted swiftly to prevent the smouldering embers from spreading,” he said.
The operation was also assisted by five members of Klang Royal City Council (MBDK) Quick Response Team (Pantas), who helped cut down trees and remove burnt logs.
Mohd Hisam urged the public to avoid open burning and immediately report any signs of fire to the authorities to prevent the situation from worsening.
The 32.7ha secondary forest at Taman Sri Andalas, which forms the main ecological feature of Bukit Lipat Kajang, is managed by MBDK.
The area was developed to protect and encourage the regeneration of the natural secondary forest while providing recreational space for the public.
The hiking trails are popular among residents and typically see their highest number of visitors on weekend mornings.
The trails have been closed to the public since the fire broke out.
