IPOH: Perak Fire and Rescue Department recorded an average of between nine and 10 fire cases daily within the first two months of this year.
Its director Azmi Osman said a total of 613 fires were recorded between Jan and Feb from which, bush fires recorded the highest number with 436 cases, followed by building structural fires and houses (79), landfills (76) and forest fire (22).
Azmi said apart from the hot and dry weather, people carrying out certain activities also contributed to the cases.
"This was identified through two fires in Kampung Sindu, Jalan Cameron Highlands - Simpang Pulai here and Gunung Bubu Forest Reserve in Kuala Kangsar recently.
"We believe the fires at the two locations were caused by humans. The action may have been deliberately done to clear forests for planting, illegal exploration and use of fire sources while hunting," he told the New Straits Times when met.
According to Azmi, fires in Perak usually involved hillslope areas which were very challenging for firefighters due to the steep terrain.
He said firemen need to go far up to a single location to put out the fire with limited water sources.
"We have 1,305 firemen in Perak including the Malaysian Special Tactical Operation and Rescue Team of Malaysia (STORM) which is ready to be mobilised.
"In fact, 50 machinery and 40 pumps are also in good condition to use. For now, we do not need assistance from other states because all our equipment are in good condition," he said.
Azmi added that as a precaution, apart from using water from the fire hydrant, open water sources can be used during operations in forests such as ponds, ditches and rivers.
He said studies and continued monitoring at frequent fire locations are also being carried out, besides regular visits and discussions with the management of landfills.
"The fires at landfill are not many but if it happens, it takes about nine to 10 days to control and put out the fire," he added.