Bromo fire damage area expands to 520 hectares

The area affected by wildfires in the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park (TNBTS) has expanded to 520 hectares, up from previous estimates of 176 hectares, officials confirmed on Sunday.

“To date, 520 hectares of the area have been affected by the fire,” said Rudijanta Tjahja Nugraha, Head of the TNBTS Centre.

The expansion of the fire was triggered by a flare-up on Saturday night, which burned not only the cliffs but also the savanna area of Mount Bromo. Rudijanta explained that strong winds since Saturday afternoon caused the fire to spread rapidly from the upper cliffs downwards, allowing it to cross the Tengger Caldera Ring Road (JLKT) and ignite the grasslands.

“The frost impact also contributed to the fire’s spread,” he added.

Observations at the site on Sunday afternoon revealed blackened remnants of burnt grass across the Bromo savanna. Several rows of dry grass along the JLKT from the Jemplang side in Malang Regency were also affected by the overnight blaze, though the flames have since been extinguished. Joint patrol teams remained on the JLKT to monitor the area and ensure no new hotspots emerged.

White smoke was still visible rising from the cliffs in the Probolinggo Regency area. Water bombing helicopters were seen shuttling back and forth, collecting water from Ranu Pani before proceeding to douse areas where smoke was still present. Ground vehicles carrying joint personnel were also observed heading towards the cliffs in Probolinggo to assist with firefighting efforts from the land side.