Besides Riau, BNPB Reports Forest and Land Fires Also Occurring in Simalungun, North Sumatra

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) has stated that, besides Riau Province, forest and land fires are also affecting Simalungun Regency in North Sumatra (Sumut). Head of the BNPB Centre for Disaster Data, Information and Communication, Abdul Muhari, in a statement in Jakarta on Friday, said the fire incident was reported on Thursday afternoon (26/3) in Karang Sari Ward, Gunung Maligas Subdistrict, Simalungun. BNPB confirmed, based on a rapid field assessment report, that the area burned due to the extreme weather phenomenon reached four hectares until the extinguishing process was completed. According to Abdul, a joint team from the Simalungun Regency Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD), along with firefighters from the Siantar Post and police personnel, was deployed to the location to collaboratively extinguish the flames and prevent spread to residents’ settlements. The joint team also conducted intensive coordination with the local ward government to map fire hotspots and ensure the safety of residents around the affected area. According to him, BNPB continues to carry out follow-up coordination to support emergency response efforts and strengthen preparedness of personnel in fire-prone forest and land areas in North Sumatra. This is similar to actions taken in controlling fires in other regions, including Riau Province. BNPB reported that the area of forest and land fires affecting several areas in Riau Province reached 2,713.26 hectares over the past three months, from 1 January to 24 March 2026.