Joint Forest Fire Task Force Opens Access to Fire Hotspots in TNBS
Jambi - For the past month, the Jambi Forest and Land Fire (Karhutla) Task Force has been struggling to extinguish fires in peatlands and has successfully breached access towards fire hotspots via the Sungai Benuh area in Berbak Sembilang National Park (TNBS).
The Head of the Jambi Karhutla Task Force, Bachyuni Deliansyah, stated in Jambi on Thursday that the team is continuing efforts to reach the closest points to the fire sources in the TNBS peatlands. Currently, only heavy machinery can enter to create firebreaks and clear canals to ensure water can be utilised for firefighting operations.
Furthermore, the Jambi Karutla Task Force is conducting mitigation planning for a Weather Modification Operation (OMC) over the TNBS area, hoping it can be implemented soon to induce rain and shorten the firefighting process.
Meanwhile, the FOM Head of PT PDIW, Alex Fatra, noted that operations in TNBS have been ongoing since 25 August, during which the Jambi Karhutla Task Force, alongside Firefighting Squads (RPK) from PT PDIW and PT Tripupa Jaya (TPJ), successfully opened access to the fire sources.
“The joint team is immediately creating firebreaks, conducting direct firefighting, cooling, building reservoirs, and deploying equipment to bring personnel closer to the fire location. The opening of the path to the fire hotspots is a significant development after a long operation in difficult-to-reach peatland terrain,” he said.
For 36 days, the team has been working to open access amidst soft peat conditions, fallen trees, and difficult terrain, finally achieving a breakthrough towards the fire source areas.
However, the operation is not yet complete. The companies, alongside the Karhutla Task Force and all field elements, are continuing firefighting, firebreak construction, and area securing to ensure the fire is controlled.
A total of 16 excavators have been deployed to assist in clearing paths through vegetation and fallen trees. The operation is also supported by high-pressure pumps, peat fire extinguishing equipment, and aerial water bombing.
“The main development on 30 September occurred in the Sungai Benuh area. The team completed a breakthrough path of approximately 4.8 kilometres towards the buffer zone, accompanied by the construction of firebreaks on both the left and right sides, as well as a path leading to the fire hotspots,” said Alex.
Around the perimeter of the fire area, firebreak work continues to be extended. Reservoirs are also being built to strengthen water availability for firefighting operations. From the Jambi border of Sungai Benuh, path clearing continues to strengthen access to the operational area.
Alex explained that the terrain leading to the fire sources remains the primary challenge. Soft peat makes the mobilisation of heavy machinery difficult, while numerous fallen trees hinder the movement of personnel. Some equipment also faced technical issues requiring mechanical repairs.
“Even though access is increasingly open, the operation has not ended. The joint team is still continuing firefighting, cooling, firebreak construction, and securing the fire area boundaries to prevent the fire from spreading again,” he said.
For the field teams, the achievement after 36 days is not merely about the length of the path opened. The opening of access allows personnel and equipment to move much closer to the fire sources, marking a vital stage in managing the forest fires in the TNBS area.