BNPB: Three fire trucks deployed to extinguish peatland fire in Aceh

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) has confirmed that the peatland fire in Langsa City, Aceh, has been completely extinguished after a joint team deployed three fire engine units to the scene.

Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Centre, Abdul Muhari, in Jakarta on Friday, stated that the peatland fire affected Gampong Meudang Ara, Langsa Timur Subdistrict, on Thursday (23/4) at 12.00 WIB.

“Based on field assessments, this incident was triggered by a resident’s activity of burning rubbish during the daytime. The fire then spread uncontrollably,” he said.

He explained that Langsa City BPBD personnel, along with the local Fire Department, immediately carried out firefighting efforts shortly after receiving the report.

BNPB confirmed that thanks to the quick response from the field team, with the deployment of adequate vehicles and personnel, the fire—which also scorched several oil palm trees—was successfully extinguished and did not spread to residential areas.

“Two hectares of peatland were burned,” he stated.

Regarding the incident, Abdul urged the public not to burn rubbish or clear land by burning, especially in peatland areas and during hot weather, as the risk of fire spread is very high and difficult to control.

BNPB is providing full support to local governments to monitor hotspots and ensure the readiness of personnel and equipment in facing potential forest and land fires in vulnerable regions.