Joint Task Force Struggles to Extinguish Forest Fires on Mount Lawu Slopes in Magetan
Magetan (ANTARA) - A joint task force comprising Perhutani KPH Lawu Ds, the Magetan Police, and local TNI personnel are working together to extinguish forest and land fires (karhutla) currently affecting the Mount Lawu slope area in Magetan Regency, East Java.
The Deputy Administrator of Perhutani KPH Lawu Ds, Hermawan, stated in Magetan on Monday that the fire spot was first spotted by residents in the morning, believed to be located in the forest area of plot 50+A RPH Bedagung, BKPH Lawu Selatan, within the KPH Lawu Ds region.
“According to information from colleagues, the initial fire spot was seen around seven in the morning. All officers from BKPH Lawu Selatan, along with the Fire Care Community (MPA) and local residents, immediately moved to the location to attempt to extinguish it,” he said.
Hermawan explained that the burning vegetation consists of pine forests along with shrubs and dry material beneath the canopy. Strong wind conditions have been one of the primary factors complicating fire control.
“The burning plants are pine species, with undergrowth and weeds beneath them. The wind conditions are indeed a hindrance, but by the afternoon, the fire could be controlled. Nevertheless, officers remain on alert,” he added.
Authorities have also reminded residents living on the forest fringes not to engage in any burning activities that could potentially trigger forest fires during the dry conditions of the peak dry season. Regarding the cause of this particular fire, Perhutani is still conducting an investigation.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Chief of Magetan Police, Commissioner Dodik Wibowo, added that the fire spot in the Panekan District area is beginning to be overcome. Extinguishing and control efforts are being carried out jointly by the BPBD, TNI, local government, PMI, volunteers, and other residents.
Despite the progress, officers have not immediately left the site. A number of personnel remain stationed in the upper areas to ensure that no embers or fire spots reignite due to strong winds.
“A few people remain to ensure that the fire spot is completely extinguished,” said Dodik.
He emphasised that the burning vegetation includes pine trees located within both government-owned and community forests.
As of Monday afternoon, the fire conditions on the Magetan side have been controlled. Monitoring and patrolling continue to prevent the fire from growing larger or spreading to forest areas in the Ngawi Regency. The exact cause of the fire is still being investigated by the relevant authorities.