East Java Disaster Management Agency Deploys Water Bombing Helicopters to Extinguish Semeru Forest Fires

Sidoarjo (ANTARA) - The East Java Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) Jatim, alongside joint task forces, has deployed helicopters for aerial water bombing operations to tackle forest and land fires in the Mount Semeru area.

The Head of BPBD Jatim, Gatot Soebroto, stated in Sidoarjo on Wednesday that the PK-DAP helicopter, brought in from Lampung by the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), has commenced water bombing operations at the western section of Climbing Post 1, specifically at the Punggungan cliffs in Ranupane Village, Senduro District.

He explained that there are currently two active fire spots remaining in the Mount Semeru area, located around Ranu Kumbolo and Ranks Pane B29, both of which feature extremely steep terrain that is difficult to access from the ground.

“The main obstacle at the location is strong winds. In addition to causing the fire to spread rapidly, the water bombing operations are also being hindered by the wind gusts,” he said.

Gatot Soebroto further explained that, in addition to aerial interventions, firefighting efforts are also being conducted on the ground by joint teams.

The ground teams are performing manual firefighting and creating firebreaks to interrupt the spread of the flames and prevent them from reaching residential areas.

Meanwhile, according to data from the BPBD Jatim Emergency Operations Centre, the area of land affected by fires in the Mount Semeru region from 26 August 2024 to date has reached approximately 600 hectares.

“We hope that the weather will be more favourable tomorrow, as strong winds are affecting the safety of the helicopter units during water bombing operations,” he added.