Jatiwaringin Landfill Fire Still Not Extinguished, Evacuees Return Home

All residents who previously evacuated due to smoke from the fire at the Jatiwaringin Final Processing Site (TPA) in Mauk District, Tangerang Regency, have returned to their homes even though the fire has not been completely extinguished. The firefighting operation conducted by joint personnel has shown positive progress. Of the approximately 15 hectares of area that had been burning, only about 5 per cent of hotspots remain under active handling. Monitoring at the evacuation post in Tanjaran Mekar Village office, Rajeg District, showed that all evacuees have left the location. The public kitchen that was previously operating to meet the needs of affected residents has also been closed. Tangerang Regent Maesyal Rasyid stated that residents have returned home because the smoke from the fire is no longer heading towards residential areas. ‘As of now, we have received reports that everyone has returned to their respective homes because there is no smoke heading towards the western area or residential areas,’ said Maesyal. However, Maesyal said his party remains vigilant about the potential for changes in wind direction that could carry the smoke back to residential areas. This is because there are still several hotspots and smoke in the western sector of the Jatiwaringin TPA that are being continuously extinguished by officers. ‘There are several points that we still need to extinguish. We also pray that the wind is not too strong. If the wind is too strong, it usually carries the smoke according to the wind direction,’ he explained. Maesyal confirmed that joint personnel will continue the extinguishing process until all hotspots are completely extinguished. He also requested that health services for affected residents continue even though all evacuees have returned home. ‘Health checks are still being carried out by community health centre officers going door to door to residents’ homes,’ he explained. The Jatiwaringin landfill fire has been burning since Tuesday (30/6). On this tenth day, the joint personnel extinguishing process is still ongoing with the support of fire engines, heavy equipment, and water bombing helicopters to ensure all hotspots are successfully extinguished.