Banten Police Evacuate 64 Residents Amid Mauk Landfill Fire

Serang (ANTARA) - The Banten Regional Police (Polda) evacuated 64 individuals from 33 families to temporary housing to protect residents from the thick smoke caused by a fire at the Jatiwaringin Final Disposal Site (TPA) in Mauk District, Tangerang Regency.

Head of Public Relations for Polda Banten, Police Grand Commissioner Maruli Ahiles Hutapea, stated in Serang on Thursday that the police have coordinated closely with the Tangerang Regency Government and the local Fire Department to accelerate the extinguishing process. The firefighting effort is being conducted not only from the ground but also from the air using water bombing facilities.

In addition to focusing on taming the blaze, joint officers are prioritising the safety of residents around the landfill site. Dozens of residents affected by the smoke plumes have been relocated to a safer location. “Besides the firefighting efforts, we have also evacuated 33 families consisting of 64 individuals to a proper temporary shelter so they can stay safely and comfortably,” he explained.

Maruli also urged residents in the vicinity not to carry out activities near the landfill area while the firefighting process is ongoing. “We appeal to the public not to approach the fire point to avoid risks from heat, thick smoke, and firefighting activities at the location,” he said.