East Java BPBD: One hotspot remains in Mount Arjuno fire

The East Java Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) has stated that the forest fire on Mount Arjuno, which has been burning since Wednesday (19/8), has left one hotspot that ground teams have been unable to reach.

“Of the three fire hotspots, two locations have been successfully extinguished as of today, while one hotspot remains inaccessible because it is located in the Lapangan Kotak area in the Raung Deres region, Pecalukan sub-district, Prigen district, Pasuruan regency, East Java,” said Gatot Soebroto, Chief Executive of East Java BPBD, when contacted by ANTARA from Pasuruan on Thursday.

According to him, the considerable distance to the final fire location, as well as foggy weather, has hindered the joint team in reaching the hotspot, both by land and by air using the water-bombing helicopter method.

Gatot confirmed that for the time being, the water-bombing helicopter is on standby at Kaliandra Field in Gamoh hamlet, Dayurejo village, Prigen district, as the location is considered closest to the fire area and has a pond that can be used as a water source.

“A survey of weather conditions around Mount Arjuno-Welirang has been carried out from yesterday until this morning, but thick fog has made it difficult for the helicopter to access the burning area,” said Gatot.

Meanwhile, the Head of Pasuruan Regency BPBD, Sugeng Hariyadi, stated that his agency and all relevant parties have established a firefighting command post at Kaliandra Field on Thursday (20/8).

He confirmed that the two hotspots that had emerged, namely in Lengkehan and Pondokan in Pecalukan sub-district, Prigen district, have now been successfully extinguished.