Manggala Agni struggles to extinguish 108-hectare forest fire in Bengkalis
The Manggala Agni Sumatra Region Forest Fire Control Office of the Ministry of Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia is still struggling to extinguish a forest and land fire covering 108 hectares in Tanjung Kapal, Rupat Island, Bengkalis Regency, Riau Province.
The Head of the Sumatra Region Forest Fire Control Office, Ferdian Krisnanto, stated that the operation in Tanjung Kapal is progressing well. Light drizzle on Sunday (7/6) from dawn until midday assisted the firefighting efforts, aided by low wind speeds.
He further explained that the left sector is being managed by two teams from the Siak and Jambi City Manggala Agni Operational Areas, using a strategy of patrolling all firebreaks and deepening them towards the centre. Utilising an embankment relay system, they have advanced to the final fire point, where they met with a firefighting squad from PT Sumatera Riang Lestari.
Meanwhile, the right sector is being handled by one team from the Siak Operational Area and two teams from the Muara Tebo Jambi Operational Area. They are conducting suppression using a water relay strategy, utilising collapsible tanks with hose extensions spanning 40 rolls to reach the final fire point.
“The result is that both the right and left sides have been completed. Today, concentration will continue on small remaining fire islands in the centre,” he said.
He noted that the primary obstacles on both sides involve fallen logs obstructing the path. This makes it difficult for nozzlemen to access the fire points. Other challenges include access, infrastructure, and logistics. However, the teams have been assisted by heavy machinery from a local company, which has helped open access and create relay embankments.
In another Riau fire location, Rantau Bais in Rokan Hilir Regency, a 70-hectare fire has been extinguished. Additionally, in Sungai Besar, Rokan Hilir, several smoke points remain, which still require handling by the Manggala Agni Pekanbaru Operational Area.