BPBD East Java: Arjuno-Ringgit Fire Hotspots Moving Towards Singosari

Pasuruan, East Java (ANTARA) — The East Java Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) said forest fires in the Mount Arjuno-Ringgit area were continuing, with several hotspots now moving south towards Singosari District in Malang Regency.

“Hotspots have been detected at the Cemoro Mencil and Limas peaks in Prigen District, Pasuruan Regency. They have been observed moving south towards Singosari District, Malang Regency,” said Gatot Soebroto, head of the East Java BPBD, in Pasuruan on Tuesday.

Joint teams from the East Java BPBD, Raden Soerjo Grand Forest Park, state forestry company Perum Perhutani, the Pasuruan Regency BPBD, the Lokajaya Binangun Village Forest Management Institution and volunteers have continued monitoring and efforts to prevent the fire spreading in Ledug village, Prigen District, Pasuruan Regency, since Friday (16 October).

Gatot said that, in addition to the areas around the peaks, the fire had spread to residents’ plantations in Petungombo, Tambaksari village, Purwodadi District, Pasuruan Regency. Efforts to contain it were continuing to limit the affected area.

He said the hotspots were estimated to be around two to three kilometres from residential areas. So far, local residents’ activities have not been directly affected.

Gatot said the cause of the fire was still under investigation. The weather at the site was reported to be partly cloudy and could affect firefighting efforts.

The East Java BPBD and the Pasuruan Regency BPBD’s Rapid Disaster Response Team are continuing to monitor the hotspots and coordinate with relevant agencies to support containment efforts. The area burned is still being assessed, the East Java BPBD said.