BNPB Deploys Two Water-Bombing Helicopters to Tackle Forest Fires in East Kotawaringin

The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) has deployed two water-bombing helicopters to extinguish forest and land fires (karhutla) in East Kotawaringin Regency, Central Kalimantan. The move comes as fires have begun to spread sporadically and are difficult to reach by land.

Head of the East Kotawaringin Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), Multazam, confirmed that the two helicopters are focusing on two main hotspots: Eka Bahurui Village and the border area between Soren and Camba Villages. “I am currently in Eka Bahurui. Two helicopters have been deployed by the BNPB,” Multazam stated in Sampit on Wednesday (8/7).

The fire in Eka Bahurui Village, Mentawa Baru Ketapang District, has been burning for five days and continues to expand. The situation is considered highly dangerous as the fire is located near an Extra High Voltage Air Line (Sutet) electricity network. Aerial firefighting is being prioritised to prevent disruption to this energy infrastructure.

In addition to Eka Bahurui, a hotspot on the border of Soren and Camba Villages in Kota Besi District is also a serious concern. This fire was only detected on Wednesday afternoon and is assessed to have a high potential for spreading. A lack of water sources and difficult land access make water bombing the most effective solution at present.

The East Kotawaringin BPBD Rapid Response Team remains on standby in the field to monitor the movement of the fire and prevent new hotspots from emerging. While aerial firefighting operations are ongoing, the total area of land burned in both locations is still being assessed.

Multazam urged the public to remain vigilant and refrain from deliberately setting fires. Active community participation is essential to prevent the forest and land fires from worsening and spiralling out of control amid the current fire-prone weather conditions.