Bromo Forest Fire Spreads to 7.9 Hectares, Tourist Access Closed

Forest and land fires in the Mount Bromo area have reportedly spread into the administrative territory of Probolinggo Regency, East Java. As of Tuesday (4/8/2026), the affected land area is estimated to have reached 7.9 hectares.

The Head of the Probolinggo Regency Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), Oemar Sjarief, confirmed that the Mount Bromo fires began with flames spreading from Bantengan Block in Lumajang Regency towards the Watu Gede area in Probolinggo.

“BPBD Probolinggo Regency personnel are carrying out extinguishing operations in the Mount Bromo area, from Bantengan Block to Pusung Jantur. The fire has entered the administrative area of Sariwani Village, Sukapura District,” Oemar said when contacted on Tuesday afternoon.

A joint team comprising the BPBD Probolinggo Rapid Response Team, BPBD East Java, Perhutani, the Indonesian military and police, the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park (TNBTS) Authority, and volunteers continues to work to extinguish the flames. However, officers face serious obstacles in the field.

Oemar explained that the firefighting effort is being carried out with basic equipment, using methods such as beaters and backpack sprayers. “Officers are experiencing difficulties due to the rather steep terrain and strong gusts of wind,” he added.

Although the fire points heading towards Probolinggo were reported extinguished by Tuesday afternoon, officers remain on full standby. This is being done to anticipate the re-emergence of fire points due to strong winds still blowing at the site.

The 7.9-hectare affected area could still grow, as fire points in several locations have not been fully extinguished and the flames continue to spread eastwards.

Following the spread of the fire, the TNBTS Authority took firm action by closing parts of the access to the Mount Bromo tourist area. The closure aims to maximise the firefighting process and ensure the safety of visitors.

Three entrance gates have been temporarily closed since Monday (3/8) at 22.00 Western Indonesia Time.

For tourists wishing to visit, access remains open via the Cemoro Lawang entrance in Probolinggo Regency and Wonokitri in Pasuruan Regency. However, visitors are only permitted to access the Sea of Sand area and are strictly prohibited from approaching the savannah region to avoid the risk of fire hazards.