Mount Rinjani hiking trail via Torean hit by forest fire
Mataram (ANTARA) - A forest and land fire has struck the Mount Rinjani hiking trail via Torean in North Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB).
According to data from the NTB Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), the fire affecting the Mount Rinjani hiking trail via Torean in North Lombok Regency occurred at approximately 18:50 WITA on Tuesday (22/9).
“The incident occurred at Bukit Setampol, Torean Resort, North Lombok Regency,” stated the Head of BPBD NTB, Sadimin, in a statement received in Mataram on Wednesday.
He noted that the burnt area reached 127 hectares, dominated by cogon grass.
“The cause of the incident is still under investigation,” he revealed.
He mentioned that the BPBD has coordinated with the Mount Rinjani National Park (TNGR) and the North Lombok Regency BPBD regarding the impact and mitigation efforts. Furthermore, coordination has been established with the TNI/Polri (Indonesian National Armed Forces and National Police) and relevant stakeholders.
The initial firefighting and fire control process involves Manggala Agni and the Fire Care Community (MPA), including monitoring the progress of fire handling and evaluating the conditions on-site.
“As of 16:50 WITA, the number of active fire spots has been reduced to one, covering an area of approximately 127 hectares. The location is quite remote (a 6-hour journey) and situated on a cliff, with foggy and windy weather,” explained Sadimin.
Additional firefighting personnel heading to the location tomorrow will include 4 members from the Forest and Land Fire Control Office, 3 from the MPA, 2 from Manggala Agni, and 2 TNGR officers.
To prevent further fires, the agency urges the public to work together to prevent forest and land fires, especially during the dry season, by refraining from burning forests or land to clear gardens or plots.
Additionally, the public is advised not to discard cigarette butts or any objects that could trigger fire carelessly. It is also vital to ensure that fires are completely extinguished after any controlled burning and to avoid activities that could cause fire in dry forest and land areas.
“For hikers currently active and choosing Torean as an exit route, diversions can be made via the Sembalun or Senaru trails, following the directions of the Mount Rinjani National Park officials,” he said.