Extinguishing Forest Fires on Mount Arjuno Faces Steep Terrain, Maximum Efforts Continue to be Deployed

Kapanlagi.com - Efforts to extinguish Forest and Land Fires (Karhutla) in the Mount Arjuno area continue to be carried out, as well as from the Malang Regency side. In addition to manual efforts using the gebyok method using tree branches, water bombing is also carried out using helicopters.

It is known that the forests and land on the slopes of Mount Arjuno are experiencing severe fires. Thousands of hectares of forest have been consumed by the spreading fire.

Kasi Humas Polres Malang, Iptu Ahmad Taufik, stated that the spread of fire points continues to move towards Petak 113 in the direction of Bukit Budug Asu, Malang Regency. The officers are hindered by the location of the fire points in steep and rugged terrain.

1. Fire Suppression Faces Steep Terrain

Suppression of Forest and Land Fires on Mount Arjuno Faces Steep Terrain / Photo Credit: KapanLagi.com/Darmadi Sasongko

Iptu Ahmad Taufik (5/9) as the Head of Public Relations of Malang Police said, "Fire suppression is hindered by steep terrain and the location of the fire is on cliffs and ravines. It is more effective to use helicopters for water bombing."

The Joint Team departed to the fire point through Candi Telih towards Puncak Bukit Ratan in Singosari District. The personnel consist of Singosari Police, Lawang Police, Mobile Brigade, Military District Command, Perhutani, and volunteers who continue to monitor the fire at the location. In addition, officers also create barriers to localize the fire and prevent it from spreading further.

"Tomorrow, the team will create barriers in the Budug Asu area," he added.

2. Fire Spreading Continues to Grow

Extinguishing the Forest Fire in Mount Arjuno Faces Challenging Terrain / Photo Credit: KapanLagi.com/Darmadi Sasongko

Forest fire distribution in Mount Arjuno is spreading to the areas of Malang Regency, Pasuruan Regency, and Batu City. The forest fire in the Mount Arjuno area continues to expand beyond 1,300 hectares.

Meanwhile, since Saturday (31/8), the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has been conducting aerial water bombing operations in the Mount Arjuno area to extinguish the forest fire in the Malang and Pasuruan regions. However, the fire is still spreading.

(kpl/dar/slm)