Forest and Land Fires in West Aceh Spread to 34.1 Hectares, Partially Extinguished

Forest and land fires (karhutla) in West Aceh have expanded, with the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of West Aceh Regency recording a total burned area of 34.1 hectares over the past two weeks. Acting Head of BPBD West Aceh, Teuku Ronal, acknowledged the fires have spread but said flames have been extinguished in most of the affected areas. “We have successfully extinguished the majority of the fire locations,” he stated on Monday (15/6).

The affected areas include Bubon District in Berawang Village (15 hectares) and Kuta Padang Layung Village (10 hectares), Samatiga District in Cot Seumeurueng Village (4 hectares), Meureubo District in Ujong Tanoh Darat Village (2.6 hectares), Johan Pahlawan District covering Lapang Village (1 hectare) and Seunebok Village (0.5 hectares), and Arongan Lambalek District in Gunung Pulo Village (1 hectare).

Teuku Ronal said firefighting operations in West Aceh Regency have been ongoing non-stop since 31 May 2026. The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has provided support through aerial water bombing. He noted that operations have been hindered by strong winds and thick smoke plumes reducing visibility, as well as difficult road access preventing four-wheeled vehicles from reaching the fires directly.

As a result of the fires, Teuku Ronal reported vegetation damage and said communities are beginning to be affected by smoke haze, which has the potential to cause respiratory problems. In addition to BPBD West Aceh personnel, the fire response has been assisted by the 0105 West Aceh Military District Command and local sub-district military commands, West Aceh Police and local police sectors, the Woyla Fire Station, Forest Management Unit (KPH) IV officers, the Teuku Umar University student activity unit, and local residents. BPBD West Aceh noted that the 34.1 hectares of fires occurring over the last two weeks have been extinguished and are up to 97 per cent under control.