Fire Erupts in R Soerjo Grand Forest Park, Mojokerto
A forest and land fire has been reported in the R Soerjo Grand Forest Park (Tahura), specifically in the Tempuran Block, Gunung Biru, Anjasmoro Mountains, Kemiri Village, Pacet District, Mojokerto Regency, East Java, on Wednesday (15/7).
Head of Emergency and Logistics at the East Java Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), Satriyo Nurseno, stated that residents first spotted a fire hotspot in the area on Tuesday (14/7) at 19:30 WIB. However, by Wednesday afternoon, the joint team deployed to the location had only managed to reach Bukit Cendono. The team has been unable to proceed to the fire hotspot due to impassable terrain.
“Currently, the Joint Team has arrived at Bukit Cendono. However, because access to the hotspot is extremely steep, the team cannot yet continue the journey to the location and is temporarily monitoring the hotspot from Bukit Cendono,” Satriyo said.
Personnel from the East Java BPBD have also arrived at the Tahura Post carrying logistics and equipment to accelerate fire suppression efforts. According to the report, the weather at the location is currently clear.
Satriyo mentioned two main obstacles faced by the team in the field: the steep terrain making it difficult to reach the fire location, and poor communication signals in the area. He said the total area affected is not yet known, but he confirmed that there have been no fatalities or injuries resulting from the fire.
“The plants burning are forest vegetation and shrubs. The affected area is still being assessed,” he said.
Satriyo detailed several steps taken by the joint team. East Java BPBD personnel are on standby and coordinating with the Mojokerto Regency BPBD and the management of Tahura R Soerjo. The joint team is also continuing to monitor the hotspot from the Bukit Cendono Hiking Post. Additionally, the East Java BPBD has sent logistical aid including five boxes of nutritional supplements, three boxes of ready-to-eat meals, two boxes of klepon biscuits, and three boxes of minimalist biscuits. Equipment sent includes five gepyok (fire beaters), five helmets, three sets of forest fire backpacks, five pairs of goggles, and five pairs of forest fire boots.
“Further developments will be reported,” he concluded.