BNPB: Water bombing helicopters grounded as Jatiwaringin landfill fire extinguished

The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) has officially ceased water bombing operations by four helicopters on Saturday, as the fire situation at the Jatiwaringin Final Disposal Site (TPA) in Mauk, Tangerang Regency, Banten, has been successfully brought under control. “Based on the results of thermal drone monitoring conducted last night, there are no longer any fire spots or hotspots at the TPA Jatiwaringin. Therefore, today we are no longer carrying out water bombing operations,” said Riswandi, Head of the Tactical Control and Operations Evaluation Division at BNPB, in Tangerang on Saturday. Despite this, disaster management efforts continue, with the next focus being on damping down and cooling the area to ensure the waste piles remain moist, thus preventing any potential re-ignition. “The next focus is damping down and cooling, so that the waste piles remain moist and do not trigger another fire,” Riswandi stated. He noted that the response to the TPA Jatiwaringin fire demonstrated excellent coordination and collaboration from all components, from central to regional government and across ministries, orchestrated effectively by the Tangerang Regent, enabling the firefighting process to proceed swiftly and successfully. Riswandi confirmed that the Manggala Agni personnel had been on duty for eight days and were all in good health. Based on monitoring results, all hotspots have been declared clear. “Alhamdulillah, the development of hotspots as of last night is clear, there are no more hotspots. This means the fire is over,” he said.