Forest Fires Hit Two Locations in Pelalawan, Kerumutan Fire Spreading Across 10 Hectares

Forest and land fires (Karhutla) have once again struck the Riau region. Currently, the Manggala Agni ground firefighting team is struggling to contain two locations in the Pelalawan Regency, namely Kuala Tolam, covering 2.1 hectares, and Kerumutan, covering 10 hectares, which continues to expand.

“Two locations are currently being handled in Pelalawan Regency. Firefighting operations have entered their second day,” said the Head of the Sumatra Forest Fire Control Office (Dalkarhut), Ferdian Krisnanto, on Friday (31/7).

He explained that for the first location in Kuala Tolam, the estimated area is 2.1 hectares, with the target for the second day of operations being to extinguish the fire completely today.

“The second location in Kerumutan has an initial estimate of 10 hectares. This area has the potential to expand. Currently, ground operations are being conducted with assistance from BNPB (National Disaster Management Agency) water bombing helicopters,” Ferdian stated.

He revealed that for further fire management, his office will conduct an evaluation regarding the forest and land fires in the peatland areas of the Kerumutan District. Following the evaluation, there are plans to increase the number of personnel deployed to the Kerumutan site.