BNPB: Task Force Quickly Extinguishes Forest and Land Fires in Nunukan, North Kalimantan

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) stated that a joint team successfully extinguished the forest and land fires (karhutla) that hit the Nunukan Regency, North Kalimantan.

The Head of the BNPB’s Centre for Data, Information and Disaster Communication, Abdul Muhari, in Jakarta, Friday, said that the fire had burned an area of one hectare in Mansapa Village, Nunukan Selatan District, on Thursday (14/5) afternoon.

“Thanks to the preparedness of the officers from the BPBD (Regional Disaster Management Agency) together with the relevant departments, they managed to extinguish the fire completely on the same day,” he said.

He revealed that although the fire had been extinguished, officers continued to monitor the location to ensure that there were no remaining embers that could potentially trigger a follow-up fire, especially given the rather hot weather conditions in the area during the day.

To date, the exact cause of the fire in Mansapa Village is still under investigation by law enforcement officials.

The BNPB confirmed that there were no reports of casualties or damage to buildings as a result of the incident.

However, the BNPB reminded local governments and communities in areas prone to karhutla to increase patrols and not to clear land by burning.

“Vigilance must be increased, especially in open and dry areas. Immediately report to officers if you see smoke so that early handling can be carried out before the fire spreads,” he said.