Jatiwaringin Landfill Fire Expands to 15 Hectares, 154 Residents Suffer Respiratory Infections
The fire ravaging the Jatiwaringin Final Disposal Site in Mauk District, Tangerang Regency, continues to spread. The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) estimates the affected area has now reached approximately 15 hectares.
Observations at the location on Wednesday (1/7) showed flames still raging at several points, with thick smoke and a pungent odour. Dozens of firefighting personnel are working to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to other areas. In addition to deploying personnel, officers are using heavy equipment, including excavators, to break up the waste piles so that hotspots deep within the mounds can be reached more easily.
BNPB Head Lieutenant General TNI Dr. Suharyanto stated that the burnt area continues to grow due to hot weather conditions and strong gusts of wind, which accelerate the spread of the fire. "To date, the burnt area is estimated to have reached 15 hectares," Suharyanto said. To expedite the response, the BNPB has deployed two MI-8AMT water-bombing helicopters, each capable of carrying up to 4,000 litres of water. Aerial firefighting is considered more effective as some hotspots are located in waste piles that are difficult for ground crews to reach. "We have brought in two water-bombing helicopters and, if necessary, will conduct weather modification operations," Suharyanto added.
The Tangerang Regency Health Office has recorded that 154 residents are suffering from acute respiratory infections (ISPA) due to exposure to smoke from the Jatiwaringin landfill fire. Health Office Head Hendra Tarmizi said the majority of those experiencing health problems are toddlers, pregnant women, and other vulnerable groups living near the fire site. "Earlier, there was one case of a pregnant woman whom we referred to the hospital because, in addition to being pregnant, she had respiratory problems, so we referred her to the hospital," Hendra said at the location. To treat affected residents, the Health Office has established four health posts around the Jatiwaringin landfill. A total of 25 medical personnel have also been deployed and placed on standby for 25 hours to provide health services to the community, including displaced residents. "In the field, there are approximately 25 personnel, and they will take turns; the night shift will also be on guard in case there are residents who have evacuated," Hendra explained.
Based on the Health Office’s monitoring, the impact of the fire smoke has so far been most felt by residents in Mauk, Rajeg, and Sukadiri Districts. Nevertheless, the Health Office has instructed all community health centres in Tangerang Regency to increase vigilance in anticipation of changes in wind direction that could potentially widen the smoke’s spread. "Anticipation regarding where the wind direction will go next. So, we have put all community health centres on alert so that if the smoke disaster reaches their area, they must be ready and have prepared masks," he said. In addition, the Health Office is increasing mask stocks at each community health centre in the three affected sub-districts. Hendra urged residents near the fire site to reduce outdoor activities and immediately move away from smoke-affected areas. "For residents around the landfill, and also those affected by the smoke, if there is smoke, immediately avoid the area by moving. If that is not possible, try to wear a mask," he advised.
The Jatiwaringin landfill caught fire on Tuesday (30/6) at around 11.00 WIB. As of Wednesday (1/7) afternoon, flames were still burning, accompanied by thick smoke billowing high into the air and reaching residential areas. As the fire, which has been ongoing for more than 24 hours, remains uncontrolled, the Tangerang Regency Government has declared an emergency response status to accelerate handling and coordination with the BNPB.