Fire Cases in West Bandung Reach 143 Incidents
The Fire and Rescue Service of West Bandung Regency recorded 143 fire incidents from January to August 2026.
The figure increased significantly compared to the previous year, particularly as the dry season set in, influenced by hot and dry weather resulting from the El Niño phenomenon.
Head of the West Bandung Regency Fire and Rescue Service, Siti Aminah Anshoriah, said the highest number of fire cases occurred in July 2026 with 73 incidents. In fact, officers handled seven fire incidents in a single day.
“Fire incidents in this year’s dry season have indeed risen sharply. The highest number of incidents was in July with 73 fire cases. There was even one day with seven incidents,” said Siti on Tuesday (18/8).
She detailed that nine fire incidents were recorded in January, seven in February, 17 in March, eight in April, nine in May, 20 in June, and 73 in July.
According to Siti, the majority of fires occurred on vacant land and in plantations. The condition of dry grass, cogon grass, twigs, and leaves due to the hot weather made it easier for fire to spread.
“Most incidents were indeed on vacant land and in plantations. The cogon grass is dry, so it catches fire easily, coupled with strong winds so the fire spreads more quickly. There were also houses and others,” she said.
Apart from weather factors, she said, the majority of fires were also triggered by human negligence, including remnants of burning that had not been fully extinguished and the habit of discarding cigarette butts carelessly.
“The most dominant factor is indeed negligence. For example, a cigarette butt thrown carelessly can become a trigger in hot weather like now,” she said.
She urged the public to increase their vigilance during the dry season. According to her, dry conditions and strong winds not only increase the risk of fires in plantations and vacant land, but also in residential areas and even rubbish disposal sites.
“So the public must be more careful during this dry season because fire does not choose its place. A little negligence can cause a fire,” she explained.