BMKG Detects 30 Hotspots in Bengkulu Province

Bengkulu City (ANTARA) - The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) is urging the public to remain vigilant after detecting 30 hotspots in various areas of Bengkulu Province. These hotspots indicate an increased risk of fires due to extreme weather, posing a potential threat of forest and land fires (Karhutla) in Bengkulu Province. “Hot and dry weather makes litter and peatlands highly susceptible to ignition. We strongly urge the public, especially farmers, to absolutely avoid burning during land clearing,” said the Head of the Fatmawati Soekarno Meteorology Station in Bengkulu, Tri Widiarto, in Bengkulu City on Monday. The current very hot temperatures and minimal rainfall over the past week are the primary triggers for these hotspots, particularly in dry plantation areas and production forests. The emergence of these hotspots serves as an early warning for all parties, especially palm plantation owners. Therefore, he reminded the public not to clear land conventionally (by burning), burn rubbish in open spaces, or discard cigarette butts carelessly in dry vegetation areas. “By taking preventive measures, the occurrence of fires can be reduced, as the impacts of land and forest fires not only damage ecosystems but also threaten public health through the haze produced,” he stated. With the presence of hotspots, BMKG continues to coordinate with the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) and related institutions to monitor hotspot movements in real-time to prevent the potential spread of fire into large-scale blazes.