BNPB: No casualties in forest and land fires in West Kotawaringin

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has confirmed there are no casualties from a forest and land fire (karhutla) incident in West Kotawaringin District, Central Kalimantan Province.

Abdul Muhari, Head of BNPB’s Centre for Disaster Data, Information and Communication, stated this on Monday in Jakarta, based on reports from the joint response team managing the fire. The joint team comprises the military, police, and the West Kotawaringin District Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), and has been present at the scene since the incident was reported on Saturday afternoon at Kotawaringin Hulu Village in West Kotawaringin District.

According to Muhari, the joint team continues to conduct firefighting and containment operations at the scene to prevent the fire from spreading to other areas. The burned area covers approximately 2.5 hectares.

The BNPB has urged the public to heighten vigilance against the potential for forest and land fires, particularly in areas prone to such incidents. The agency also reminded residents not to clear land by burning, as this can trigger larger fires that are difficult to control.