East Java BPBD Records 15 Forest and Land Fires During 2026 Dry Season

The East Java Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) has recorded at least 15 forest and land fire (karhutla) incidents from early June to mid-July 2026, with a total burned area reaching 109.96 hectares. “Entering the dry season, the potential for forest fires is very high, and we have recorded 15 incidents up to July 2026,” said Satriyo Nurseno, Head of the Emergency and Logistics Division of the East Java BPBD, in Surabaya on Tuesday (21/7). The 15 incidents occurred in the regencies of Probolinggo, Ponorogo, Blitar, Situbondo, Bojonegoro, Trenggalek, Lumajang, Mojokerto, Jombang, and Pasuruan. The largest fire area was in Blitar Regency, reaching 50 hectares, followed by Ponorogo with 15 hectares at a single location. According to Satriyo, the forest and land fire trend is expected to increase as East Java is currently entering the peak of the dry season. “The potential for forest and land fires is rising,” he said. His agency is urging the public not to burn land, not to discard cigarette butts carelessly, and to report immediately if they spot any fire hotspots. “Personnel are now fully prepared, especially in areas with potential for forest fires. They will move when a fire occurs and carry out suppression,” he said.