East Java BPBD Deploys Two Water Bombing Helicopters as Bromo Forest Fire Expands

The East Java Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD Jatim) has brought in two water bombing helicopters to tackle the forest and land fire (Karhutla) in the Bromo area.

“Today both are expected to be operational to carry out extinguishing efforts in the burned areas,” said Head of BPBD Jatim Gatot Soebroto in Surabaya on Friday (7/8).

Of the two helicopters, one has already departed from Pontianak on Thursday (6/8). However, due to the long journey, it made a transit stop in Banjarmasin before proceeding directly to Bromo.

Gatot explained that the helicopter’s journey was carried out in stages because it needed to refuel at several points.

“But as soon as it arrives, it will immediately carry out extinguishing operations,” he said.

BPBD Jatim, together with a joint team, continues to work hard to extinguish the fire via land routes. In addition to deploying personnel on the ground, monitoring and handling of the Bromo fire is also assisted by BPBD-owned water drones.

“On-the-ground handling continues to optimise ground troops and BPBD drones, in order to observe hotspots as well as the extent of forest that has burned,” he said.

Based on the latest monitoring by officers, Gatot said the joint team continues to carry out extinguishing processes in several areas. The fire potential has not been fully extinguished, as smoke is still visible at several points.

Gatot said the impact of the fire in the Bromo area has spread to 80 hectares. Therefore, the water bombing helicopter assistance is expected to accelerate the extinguishing process, especially in locations that are difficult for officers to reach.

“The wetting process and fire potential are still visible from the smoke plumes. The burned area remains at 80 hectares,” he said.