BNPB: Ground and Air Task Forces on Full Alert to Handle TNBTS Forest Fires

The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) has confirmed that joint ground and air task forces are on full alert to handle forest and land fires in the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park (TNBTS) area. Acting Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Centre, Dodi Yuleova, stated in Jakarta on Wednesday that firefighting operations are being conducted in an integrated manner through direct ground suppression and aerial support, or water bombing. “Air operations were carried out today with the support of water bombing helicopters conducting three sorties for extinguishing and damping down at two locations, namely the P30 area in Probolinggo Regency and Pusung, Wonokitri Village, Pasuruan Regency,” he said. Given the extensive spread of fire spots across TNBTS covering four regency areas, he noted that ground patrols and aerial monitoring will continue to be intensified to detect fire points and hot spots. He also stressed that to support the smooth running of field operations, the joint team is equipped with various disaster management facilities and infrastructure. The BNPB Operations Directorate reported that this support equipment includes six fire engines, one BNPB water drone, one water bombing helicopter, 70 trail motorbikes, five double cabin vehicles, and manual tools such as fire beaters. The total closure of all TNBTS tourist access points for an unspecified period, he added, is also being implemented to support risk control and maintain public safety. The BNPB, together with local governments, the Indonesian National Armed Forces, the Indonesian National Police, and park managers, is urging the public not to engage in activities that could potentially trigger sparks and to report immediately if they see plumes of smoke around forest areas. Dodi also affirmed that the handling of forest and land fires in the TNBTS area continues to prioritise the principles of personnel safety, rapid response to emerging fire spots, and continuous monitoring until all affected areas are completely declared safe. This effort is part of the government’s commitment to ensuring the impact of the fires does not spread, which could endanger health due to smoke, cause ecosystem damage, and harm the local community’s economy from tourism activities.