BNPB Issues Early Warning for Forest Fires as Blazes Erupt in Pinrang
The National Disaster Management Agency (BNNP) has issued a warning map amidst the peak of the dry season. In reports from the last 24 hours, forest and land fires (karhutla) and clean water crises have dominated disaster reports from various regions.
An incident occurred in Pinrang Regency, South Sulawesi, where fire ignited 5 hectares of land within just a few hours, triggered by extreme temperatures that ignited dry twigs in hilly areas. The Head of the BNPB Centre for Data, Information, and Disaster Communication, Abdul Muhari, emphasised that this situation serves as an alarm for all local governments.
“The current extreme heat is transforming dry vegetation into natural ‘fuel’. The incident in Pinrang is not merely an ordinary fire; it is a tangible impact of the peak dry season that must be anticipated with extra preparedness,” he stated on Sunday (2/8).
The forest fire in Taddakong Village, Lembang District, occurred on Saturday (1/8) night. The hilly, rocky geography with an accumulation of dry leaf litter caused sparks to ignite suddenly, spreading rapidly and threatening the local forest area. Fortunately, a rapid response was executed. The Pinrang Regency Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), alongside the TNI, Polri, and local residents, acted quickly by implementing the fire breaking method—a vegetation isolation tactic to sever the fire’s path.
As of this report, there were no casualties in the incident. The Fire Department was also deployed to extinguish the remaining embers. “We appreciate the swift actions of the personnel on the ground. However, this must serve as a lesson that collective vigilance is key,” Abdul Muhari asserted.
In addition to forest fires, the BNPB is paying special attention to the droughts beginning to affect several points across Indonesia. Abdul Muhari urged Regents and Mayors not to wait until taps run dry before taking action. “Do not wait for emergency reports. Immediately map areas vulnerable to water crises and optimise the distribution of clean water tankers. Educating the public on wise water usage is vital at this time.”
Local governments are also encouraged to conduct proactive field monitoring. The BNPB reminded the public not to wait until difficulties become severe before reporting. “Report to village officials or the BPBD as early as possible. The faster the report, the faster the assistance arrives,” he added.
The BNPB also issued a stern warning to the public against any form of open burning, whether for land clearing or the careless disposal of cigarette butts. “The current weather is highly conducive to fire. Small actions can result in major disasters. If you see smoke plumes or hotspots, report them immediately. Do not attempt to extinguish them yourselves if the fire is large; leave it to the officers,” Muhari concluded.
The BNPB confirmed it will continue to monitor developments in South Sulawesi and other regions, noting that the dry season is expected to persist for several weeks.