Land Fire in Bengkalis, Riau Extinguished by Police and Spread Prevented

Land fires swept through two villages in Rupat District, Bengkalis Regency, prompting police to mobilise intensive firefighting efforts.

Rupat District Police Chief AKP Faisal stated that the fire initially broke out on Jalan Parit Jawa RT 004 RW 002, Dusun Sungai Mesim 2, Sukarjo Mesim Village, Rupat District. The fire at the initial location has been extinguished, with cooling efforts continuing.

However, the flames spread to a neighbouring village on Jalan Perjuangan, Kebumen Village, Rupat District. Police worked alongside other agencies in intensive operations to combat fires in both villages.

“We have worked extremely hard to extinguish the flames that reignited and conducted cooling operations. Because the fire did not remain only at the site of the previous burn, but has spread to another village on Jalan Perjuangan, Kebumen Village, Rupat District,” said AKP Faisal on Friday, 13 March 2026.

Weather conditions and peatland presented significant challenges for firefighting personnel. Strong winds that frequently changed direction, combined with intense heat, made the flames difficult to control.

“Part of the land is also a mahang tree forest. Meanwhile, investigations are ongoing to identify the owner and cause of the fire,” he added.

According to monitoring via the Lancang Kuning Dashboard application, 19 active hotspots were burning. The fire spans an area from Jalan Jawa, Dusun Sungai Mesim 2, Sukarjo Mesim Village through Jalan Sukajadi, Sukarjo Mesim Village, extending to Jalan Perjuangan, Kebumen Village, Rupat District.

Most recently, flames re-emerged at portions of previously burned sites in Sukarjo Mesim Village, attributed to hot weather conditions and strong, frequently shifting winds.

“Water supplies at the fire site are extremely limited and difficult to access, owing to restricted water sources in canals and reservoirs. We continue coordinating and cooperating with all relevant parties to implement mitigation, suppression, and cooling measures at the fire site,” he explained.

He also stated that these efforts are conducted in an integrated manner to ensure optimal response and prevent the emergence of additional fire points. No casualties were reported during the suppression and cooling operations.

“We are also conducting continuous monitoring of the location to prevent further fires and contain spread to other areas within the same vicinity,” he concluded.