BNPB deploys two water-bombing helicopters to tackle forest fires in East Kotawaringin
The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has dispatched two water bombing helicopters to extinguish forest and land fires occurring in East Kotawaringin Regency, Central Kalimantan.
“I am currently in Eka Bahurui. Two helicopter units have been deployed by the BNPB, targeting Eka Bahurui Village and the border of Soren-Camba Village,” said the Head of the East Kotawaringin Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), Multazam, in Sampit on Wednesday.
Multazam explained that the request for aerial firefighting via water bombing helicopters was made because land fires in the area have begun to occur sporadically. Some locations are difficult to reach via land routes and are far from water sources, necessitating aerial water bombing.
The fire in Eka Bahula Village, Mentawa Baru Ketapang District, has been burning for five days. As of today, the flames have not been extinguished and continue to spread, leading to hopes that the aerial operation can suppress the blaze.
“The fire in Eka Bahurui has entered a dangerous category because it is close to high-voltage power lines (Sutet), which is why it must be addressed. We must ensure it does not cause new problems,” he added.
“The water bombing is expected to reduce the expansion of the burnt area and, subsequently, extinguish the fire,” Multazam expressed.
Multazam, along with the East Kotawaringin BPBD Rapid Response Team, remains on standby in Eka Bahurui Village. In addition to monitoring the aerial firefighting efforts, the team is also working to ensure that no new hotspots emerge in the area.
The total area of land burnt in Eka Bahurui Village and the border of Soren-Camba Village is not yet known. At the time of reporting, the firefighting operation using the two water bombing helicopters is still ongoing.
Multazam urged public cooperation to prevent and manage forest and land fires to prevent them from worsening. He advised the community against burning land, as it is highly prone to triggering widespread and uncontrollable fires.