BNPB Optimises Ground Firefighting Operations at Jatiwaringin Landfill

The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) is optimising ground firefighting operations at the Jatiwaringin landfill in Mauk, Tangerang Regency, Banten, by creating special access routes to allow fire engines to penetrate the mountains of waste and reach the fire sources. “One of the efforts is building a breakthrough path so that vehicles or hoses from our firefighting colleagues can enter,” said BNPB Director of Operations Control Coordination Brigadier General TNI Djohan Darmawan in Tangerang on Thursday. He noted that wind speed at the Jatiwaringin landfill has been the main obstacle in the firefighting process. “The problem is really just the wind. Since yesterday, the wind at this location has been quite strong. However, it has now started to ease,” Djohan Darmawan said. To accelerate the ground firefighting process, the number of fire engines has been increased to 10 units with cross-sector assistance. Additionally, water bombing operations from the air using helicopters are being optimised to control flames that are inaccessible from the ground. “We continue to optimise the firefighting; later this afternoon, two helicopters will conduct water bombing again. These are our efforts to resolve the fire at the Jatiwaringin landfill,” he said. He added that the water bombing operations, which only began yesterday and were initially limited to one hour, will now be maximised. Meanwhile, Tangerang Regent Moch. Maesyal Rasyid stated that since the fire broke out on Tuesday (30/6), the local government has been continuously optimising firefighting efforts. Compared to the previous day, the fire situation has begun to ease, and the smoke blanketing the area has reportedly started to thin. The government has also raised the emergency status of the Jatiwaringin landfill fire from ‘alert’ to ‘emergency response’ to optimise field handling efforts. This status upgrade was determined based on an evaluation meeting with the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), the Environmental and Sanitation Agency (DLHK), and other relevant agencies. The Regent also urged residents not to approach the landfill area, especially to watch the water bombing operations by helicopter. “The fire is not in one continuous area but in spots. Currently, the area affected is approximately seven hectares. I urge the public not to come close, as it is dangerous,” said Maesyal Rasyid.