Forest and Land Fire Volunteer in Central Kalimantan Dies After Being Treated for Breathing Difficulties

A volunteer firefighter who had been battling forest and land fires, Ahmadin, also known as Itam Madin, has died.

Ahmadin had been receiving treatment for breathing difficulties at Sultan Imanudin Regional General Hospital in Pangkalan Bun, West Kotawaringin Regency, Central Kalimantan.

Ahmadin was a volunteer with the Huma Singgah Itah fire brigade who had been involved in tackling forest and land fires in the West Kotawaringin area. He was said to have received medical treatment at the hospital after experiencing breathing difficulties caused by continuous exposure to smoke over the past week.

However, Ahmadin’s condition subsequently deteriorated. He took his last breath on Sunday evening, 30 August.

The Head of the West Kotawaringin Fire and Rescue Service, Dwi Agus Suhartono, explained that two members of the Forest and Land Fire Task Force had previously required treatment at Sultan Imanudin Regional General Hospital.

Ahmadin’s struggle came to an end after he was pronounced dead, while one other officer remains under medical care.

‘Ahmadin’s passing is a blow to his family, fellow volunteers, and the officers who have been fighting to tackle the forest and land fires,’ he said.

He explained that amid the fire season affecting several areas of West Kotawaringin, volunteers have had to work in difficult conditions. Heat, smoke, hard-to-reach terrain, and health threats are among the risks they must face in the field.

For the officers, he added, every hotspot represents heavy work that must be brought under control immediately to prevent it from spreading to other areas.