Blue Fire Phenomenon Appears at Several Crater Points on Mount Papandayan

Mount Papandayan in Garut Regency is reported to be emitting blue flames, commonly known as ‘Blue Fire’, at several crater points within the hiking area.

According to observations by the Geological Agency, bluish-purple flames were discovered across a wide area on Wednesday (23/9). The following day, the flames appeared less widespread and more concentrated, exhibiting a bluish-white colour.

These flames are interpreted as the blue fire phenomenon, which is related to the combustion of sulphur in the solatara area. A similar phenomenon was previously reported at the Baru Crater of Mount Papandayan.

Since 2025, the Geological Agency has observed that the opening of the Manuk Crater tends to narrow, accompanied by a reduction in visible smoke on the surface.

The Head of PVMBG (Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation) of the Geological Agency, Rita Susilawati, stated that there is a possibility that this change is affecting the pathways for hot gas, causing gas to escape through fissures or other parts of the crater walls, including the areas where the flames are currently being observed.