BNPB Deploys Water Bombing Helicopters to Tackle Expanding Forest Fires in West Aceh
The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has deployed helicopters to West Aceh Regency as part of an effort to address the expanding forest and land fires in the region through aerial water bombing.
“Today, Monday (8/6), the water-bombing helicopters conducted two stages of aerial water bombing, with sessions running from morning to midday, and continuing from midday to late afternoon,” stated the Acting Head of the West Aceh Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), Teuku Ronal, to reporters on Monday night.
According to data compiled by the West Aceh BPBD, the fires are spread across four districts. In the Bubon District, fires have affected Berawang Village (15 hectares) and Kuta Padang Layung (10 hectares). In the Johan Pahlawan District, fires were reported in Lapang Village (1 hectare) and Seuneubok (0.5 hectares). Additionally, the Arongan Lambalek District reported fires in Gunung Pulo Village (1 hectare), while the Meureubo District reported 1.6 hectares of fire in Ujong Tanoh Darat Village.
The primary objective of aerial water bombing is to extinguish fires rapidly from the air. This method is a key component of the BNPB’s national disaster management operations. Specifically, water bombing can reach fire hotspots in steep, hilly, or peatland areas that are extremely difficult or dangerous for ground-based firefighting teams to access.
Furthermore, aerial water bombing is expected to lower extreme temperatures in the burned areas and cool vegetation to prevent re-ignition. It also aims to dampen the areas surrounding the main fire to create a wet firebreak, preventing the flames from spreading to wider areas.
Teuku Ronal added that the BNPB is also conducting Weather Modification Operations (OMC) to trigger artificial rain. To date, approximately 70 per cent of the forest fires in West Aceh Regency have been successfully managed through a combination of ground and aerial interventions. The West Aceh BPBD has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any new fire hotspots immediately to ensure early intervention.