Dozens of Forest and Land Fires Occur in Majalengka

Dozens of forest and land fires (karhutla) have occurred in Majalengka Regency. The public is urged to increase vigilance and prevent further fires. According to information gathered from the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Majalengka Regency, 12 forest and land fires occurred between 12 July and 21 July 2026, scorching a total area of 10.85 hectares. “The forest and land fires that occurred during the period of 12 July to 21 July 2026 were spread across several sub-districts in Majalengka Regency,” said the Chief Executive of the Majalengka Regency BPBD, Agus Tamim, on Thursday (23/7). Dry weather due to the dry season accompanied by strong winds is the main factor accelerating the spread of fire, especially in scrubland, gardens, and critical land in hilly areas. To extinguish fires in forests and on land, Agus explained that they have a BPBD Rapid Reaction Team (TRC) working alongside elements of the Fire Service, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (Polri), village governments, and volunteers. “We continue to move quickly to extinguish and assess the locations so that the fire does not spread to residential areas,” Agus stated. The fires occurred in Baribis Village, Cigasong Sub-district, with three incidents covering approximately 4.02 hectares. Still in Cigasong, a fire also occurred in Kawunghilir Village covering 1 hectare. Furthermore, fires occurred in Kasokandel Sub-district, namely in Wanajaya Village which burned 2 hectares of land, and three incidents in Girimukti Village with a total burned area of approximately 0.22 hectares. Fires also occurred in Kadipaten Sub-district, specifically in Kadipaten Village, covering an area of approximately 2 hectares. Meanwhile, in Majalengka Sub-district, fires hit Majalengka Wetan Urban Village covering 1.5 hectares and Babakanjawa Village covering approximately 0.06 hectares. In Sindang Sub-district, a fire occurred in Gunungkuning Village covering approximately 0.05 hectares. “All affected locations have undergone extinguishing, cooling, and assessment efforts by joint officers to ensure the fire is completely out and does not reignite,” Agus said. Facing the ongoing peak of the dry season, the Majalengka Regency BPBD urged the public to increase vigilance and play an active role in preventing forest and land fires. “The public is urged not to clear land by burning, not to burn rubbish or straw near dry vegetation, and not to discard lit cigarette butts carelessly,” Agus appealed. Plantation land owners are also advised to create firebreaks as a precautionary measure to prevent fire from spreading easily. In addition, the public is expected to immediately report any sightings of hotspots or smoke plumes to the village or sub-district government, fire officers, or by contacting the Majalengka Regency BPBD Call Centre at (0233) 283044 or the Emergency Service 112. “Personnel remain on standby 24 hours a day to monitor potential hotspots and provide a rapid response to every fire report, in order to protect public safety and preserve the environment during the dry season,” Agus concluded.