BNPB: Land burned in Labuan Bajo reaches 25 hectares

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) recorded that forest and land fires in Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, had burned at least 25 hectares of land as of Thursday (16/7).

Head of the BNPB Data, Information, and Communication Centre Abdul Muhari stated in Jakarta on Friday that dry weather conditions and strong winds in the area were contributing factors to the spread of the fire.

“In this incident, the hot and dry weather, coupled with strong winds, contributed to the extent of the land burned,” he said.

Despite the initial spread, he confirmed that the blaze in the regency at the western tip of Flores Island was successfully extinguished by a joint team on Thursday (16/7).

The location of the land fire, which destroyed dozens of hectares of dry vegetation, was in Labuan Bajo Urban Village, Komodo District.

According to a report from the West Manggarai Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), there were no casualties resulting from the fire.

To prevent similar incidents from recurring, BNPB has urged residents and tourism operators in Labuan Bajo to avoid activities that could trigger sparks, such as discarding cigarette butts carelessly or burning rubbish in open areas.

“We ask local governments and the public to remain vigilant and prepared to face forest and land fires. Prevention is the most effective measure,” he said.