Forest Fires Strike Malaumkarta Forest Area in Sorong Again
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Forest and land fires have once again struck the Malaumkarta area, Makbon District, Sorong Regency, Southwest Papua, affecting an area of approximately two hectares.
The fire broke out on Monday (21/9) at around 3:00 PM WIT and was only successfully extinguished by residents on Tuesday around 3:00 AM WIT. Residents are continuing to monitor and cool the area to prevent any potential re-ignition of embers.
The Head of Malaumkarta Village, Jefri Mobalen, stated that this is the second fire to occur at the same location following a previous incident in August.
“This is the second time a fire has occurred in this same location. The first fire was last month in August. We do not know how the fire started; it suddenly began to spread,” Juju said in a press release on Tuesday.
According to Jefri, firefighting efforts faced obstacles due to the reduced water flow from several springs in Malaumkarta. Residents had to fetch water from reservoirs located quite far away, while hot conditions and dry winds caused the fire to spread more rapidly.
The fire even burnt several sago trees located approximately 50 metres from the protected forest area and forest considered sacred by the indigenous community. This situation has increased residents’ concerns regarding the potential for the fire to expand.
This latest fire adds to a series of similar incidents in the Greater Malaumkarta region. On 31 August, a fire hit Mount Malaumkarta, also known as Suatut Peak, with a radius of about four kilometres, which residents managed to extinguish three days later.
Subsequently, on 19 September, another fire occurred in the Mibi Village forest area with a radius of approximately one kilometre.
“Due to the hot weather, the water supply has decreased, but the community, along with youths and schoolchildren, all participated in the forest fire suppression efforts,” said Jefri.
In addition to increasing the risk of fire, the reduction in water sources has begun to impact community gardens. Horticultural crops, which serve as a food source and a primary income for residents, have begun to wither due to the limited water supply.
To support the response, the EcoNusa Foundation is coordinating with the village government to distribute three engine-driven water pumps, one 1,100-litre water tank, 300 metres of fire hoses, 10 backpack sprayers, boots, and headlamps.
Jefri hopes that the community will increase vigilance during these hot and dry conditions. “Let us ensure that the events of 1986 do not repeat themselves,” he said.