National Hotspots Down 63 Percent, Forest and Land Fire Smoke Still Covers Sumatra and Kalimantan

Forest and Forestry Operations in South Kalimantan Strengthened

After overseeing the handling of forest and land fires in Central Kalimantan (Kalteng), Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni together with the Head of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) Lt. Gen. TNI Suharyanto continued monitoring in South Kalimantan, Wednesday.

The two of them visited the extinguishing of peat fires around the Sambang Lihum Mental Hospital, Banjar Regency. They also took part in an evaluation of the handling of forest and land fires together with the regional government, TNI, Polri, BPBD and related elements.

The evaluation focused on strengthening ground operations, harmonizing field data, as well as placing personnel and resources in locations that still needed treatment. The Banjar Regency Government is also preparing additional personnel to strengthen operations in vulnerable areas.

Ground operations are very important in dealing with peat fires. Embers can persist beneath the surface even though the flames above ground are no longer visible. Wetting and cooling must continue to be carried out to prevent the fire from reappearing.

The government deployed 61 air fleet units to support handling forest and land fires. A total of 17 units were used for patrols and Weather Modification Operations (OMC), while 44 other units were deployed for water bombing.

Air fleet operations consider the development of Hotspots, cloud potential, wind direction, smoke conditions, visibility and flight safety.

On land, Manggala Agni Ministry of Forestry together with BNPB, TNI, Polri, BPBD, local government, community, volunteers and the business world continue to carry out patrols, ground checks, direct extinguishing, fire blocking, wetting, mopping up and cooling.