A winning way to fight fires
Malaysian firefighters have developed an award-winning, low-cost device to combat deep-seated peat fires. The GS Mark III system uses a combination of surface sprinklers and underground injectors to effectively suppress fires that are difficult to reach with conventional equipment.
Why it matters
This innovation provides a cost-effective solution for environmental management and disaster prevention in regions prone to peatland fires.
PETALING JAYA: What began as a desperate attempt by firefighters to overcome a shortage of equipment for tackling peat fires has evolved into an award-winning Malaysian invention.
The device showcases the ingenuity of frontline personnel from the Fire and Rescue Department, who developed equipment to address operational challenges and meet local needs without the high cost of specialised firefighting technology.
Developed in 2009 by personnel from the Kluang fire station, the forest and peat fire suppression device has since evolved through three versions, earning local and international recognition.
Fire and Rescue Academy of Malaysia (Eastern Region) commandant Dr Ahmad Faiz Tharima @ Zainuddin, one of the inventors, said the idea arose from the challenges firefighters faced when battling peat fires, which can burn up to 3m underground and produce thick smoke.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in