Five Hotspots Remain on Mount Cendono, Firefighting Hampered by Difficult Terrain

A joint task force has identified five remaining hotspots fuelling forest and land fires on Mount Cendono, within the R. Soerjo Grand Forest Park area in Mojokerto, East Java. Jumadi, Head of the East Java Provincial Forestry Service, stated on Thursday (16/7) that of the five fire points, only one has been partially extinguished. He explained that the ground conditions are the main obstacle preventing personnel from fully putting out the flames. “It cannot be completely extinguished because the field conditions are difficult for officers to reach. Currently, personnel are still stationed around the location to move again tomorrow,” Jumadi said. He noted that the fire points on Mount Cendono are located in very steep ravines, requiring a long time to approach. The current strategy involves extinguishing fires in other locations to prevent them from spreading. He said the joint task force includes personnel from the East Java Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), Mojokerto Regency BPBD, Pacet Police, Pacet Military Command, Tahura R. Soerjo, the Fire Care Community (MPA), volunteer groups, and local residents assisting with firefighting efforts. Despite this, the team is hampered by the difficult terrain, forcing them to take turns approaching the fire points. “We must not let officers become victims; when the area is unreachable and they are exhausted, they are pulled back to the command post,” he said. Jumadi explained that the East Java Forestry Service is still coordinating with the central government to secure water bombing assistance or other alternatives. This method is expected to help overcome the fires on Mount Cendono.