GEORGE TOWN: Along with the parched days come a growing number of bushfire incidents in Penang, many of which are believed to be caused by people.

       One such fire, which spread dangerously close to the Jalan Bharu flats in Balik Pulau, was thankfully doused by firemen on Monday afternoon (Jan 10).

       Balik Pulau MP Datuk Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik said the fire was believed to have been started by people and urged villagers, especially, to be wary of leaving open burning unattended or even flicking away lit cigarette butts.

       Just two days before that on Saturday (Jan 8), the Bukit Bendera voluntary fire squad reported fighting an evening blaze spreading through the drying overgrowth of a cemetery in Lorong Batu Lanchang.

       It took six firemen from three voluntary squads an hour to put out the bushfire.

       Earlier, state environment committee chairman Phee Boon Poh told the press that fire teams are on high alert after bushfires started occurring late last month.

       He warned the public not to carry out open burning or face legal action.