KOTA TINGGI, Jan. 26 -- Johor firefighters are deploying drones to battle a 12-hectare peat fire in Taman Bayu Damai as strong northern winds push thick smoke into residential areas.

Johor Fire and Rescue Department operations commander Muhamad Sabri Ramli said the blaze, initially contained at five hectares, spread rapidly due to dry conditions and gusty winds, New Straits Times reported today.

"Firefighting efforts have been divided into two sectors. In Sector B, personnel used a 500-foot hose and multiple nozzles to suppress the flames. However, strong northern winds caused new flare-ups and pushed dense smoke toward housing areas," he was quoted as saying.

Two families were evacuated to the Teluk Empang community hall after the fir...