Manggala Agni Deploys Heavy Machinery to Create Firebreaks in Bengkalis, Riau

The Manggala Agni team from the Sumatra Regional Forest Fire Control Office of the Ministry of Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia has deployed heavy machinery to implement fire sequestration in Tanjung Kapal, Rupat Island, Bengkalis Regency, Riau Province.

Ferdian Krisnanto, Head of the Sumatra Regional Forest Fire Control Office, stated that the heavy machinery is being used to create reservoirs spaced 50 metres apart to assist ground firefighters in advancing towards the fire front. The forest and land fires in this area are being managed by the Manggala Agni Siak Operational Area.

“At the fire location in Tanjung Kapal, Rupat, active flames still persist, so the sequestration process is being assisted by heavy machinery. This is a collaborative effort between Manggala Agni, the Police, TNI, the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), and private companies,” he said in a statement received in Pekanbaru on Friday.

He added that an additional team from the Manggala Agni Siak Operational Area will be deployed for firefighting efforts. Furthermore, one team each from the Jambi City and Muaro Tebo Operational Areas will also provide assistance. Helicopters from the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) are also supporting the firefighting process.

In addition to Bengkalis, Manggala Agni is conducting firefighting operations in several other areas across Riau. In Sokoi Village, Pelalawan Regency, teams are currently performing cooling operations after a week of firefighting efforts.

“Light rain was reported yesterday. Our target for today is to ensure all fires are completely extinguished,” he noted.

Meanwhile, in Rantau Bais, Rokan Hilir, the Manggala Agni Dumai Operational Area, alongside the BPBD, TNI, and Police, is still carrying out firefighting operations. In Sungai Besar Pekaitan, Rokan Hilir, firefighting is also ongoing.

“Difficulties persist due to the vast area and strong winds during the day, resulting in thick smoke. Today, additional teams from the Manggala Agni Pekanbaru Operational Area will arrive to bolster our strength,” he concluded.