BPBD Collaborates with Academics to Investigate Mysterious Fires in Seyegan, Sleman

Mutfiana’s house in Padukuhan Mriyan X, Margomulyo, Seyegan, Sleman, continues to be plagued by mysterious fires. The Sleman Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) will collaborate with academics to investigate the source of the flames. Bambang Kuntoro, Head of Emergency and Logistics at Sleman BPBD, stated his office has reached out to several universities, including ITB, UPN, and UGM. However, only ITB has responded so far. ‘We’re initially discussing the details. ITB has responded to some queries, but they can’t come in due to the distance. UGM and UPN haven’t replied yet, and our Pusdalop hasn’t responded either,’ Bambang told journalists on Friday (29 May 2026). Bambang said academic involvement is needed to scientifically determine the fire’s cause. The current theory suggests methane gas from a septic tank leak is responsible. ‘Why involve academics? In the pentahelix model, academics contribute their specialised expertise,’ he said. Scientific clarification is needed as the septic tank was repaired per Gegana team advice. Yet, fires continue to break out randomly. ‘The septic tank has been cleaned, emptied, and the pipes replaced – even new ones. It should be fresh, yet fires keep appearing unpredictably,’ he added. ‘Fires erupt on walls, in bedrooms, the living room. Even burning towels is understandable as fabric ignites easily, but an aquarium? That’s bizarre,’ he continued. While awaiting academic investigations, Sleman BPBD is providing emergency supplies such as food. They have advised residents to evacuate temporarily and remain vigilant to prevent the fire from spreading. ‘We’re also providing sufficient emergency aid – mattresses, blankets, and some food supplies,’ he said. Mutfiana, contacted separately, confirmed fires persist to this day. The latest incident occurred after Friday prayers, with a new fire spot detected. ‘The aquarium fire happened yesterday. Today, after Friday prayers, flames appeared again,’ said Fia. Previously reported, residents of Padukuhan Mriyan X, Margomulyo, Seyegan, Sleman, were alarmed by recurring fires that destroyed household items in one home. ‘It started Saturday (23 May) at midnight. First, fabrics caught fire, then spread to door frames,’ said the homeowner, Mutfiana, when interviewed by journalists on Sunday (24 May 2026). However, flames soon reappeared in different locations, burning other items. The incidents have continued to recur,’ she added. Meanwhile, officers from Sleman Police Station’s Inafis team and the DIY Police Force’s Gegana team visited the scene for forensic analysis. Preliminary findings suggest methane gas from the septic tank triggered the fires. ‘According to Gegana team findings, methane gas leaking from a septic tank with non-compliant gas drainage pipes entered the house, causing the fires,’ said Seyegan Police Chief AKP Pujiono during confirmation on Sunday (24 May).