Central Java Regional Police Assist with Water Bombing to Extinguish Putri Cempo Landfill Fire in Solo
The fire at the Putri Cempo Landfill in Solo, Central Java, has entered its third day, Friday (4/9).
Massive aerial water bombing techniques are being utilised to subdue the flames at the site. The Acting Head of the Solo City Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), Ari Dwi Daryatmo, stated that the water bombing is being conducted with assistance from the Central Java Regional Police.
“Today, the Central Java Regional Police will assist with the water bombing. The plan is to carry it out today for approximately two hours,” said Ari.
The Head of the Fire Department, Indradi, explained that the water bombing targets fire areas that are difficult to reach via land, particularly the steep slopes of the waste mountain at the Putri Cempo landfill.
“For the ground teams, access to the eastern side is limited,” Indradi noted.
He added that ground-based firefighting efforts will be suspended while the water bombing is in progress to ensure the safety of personnel. “For the time being, all activities from our Fire Department teams and others will pause until the water bombing is complete,” he said.
Previously, the use of water bombing techniques to tackle the Putri Cempo landfill fire was announced by the Mayor of Solo, Respati Ardi, on Thursday (3/9) afternoon.
The largest landfill fire in the Solo Raya region has been burning since Wednesday (2/9) night and continued to spread throughout Thursday.
During his briefing on Thursday, Respati stated that joint task forces have been working to create firebreaks to prevent the blaze from expanding further.
In addition to firefighting efforts, Respati addressed the health impacts on residents living near the Putri Cempo landfill. The Solo City Government has distributed masks to affected communities, and the Solo City Health Office has also prepared oxygen cylinders to treat residents experiencing respiratory issues.
“Affected residents have been evacuated appropriately and safely,” he added.