Natuna Regency Government Successfully Extinguishes Fire That Burned 50 Hectares of Land

Natuna (ANTARA) - The Natuna Regency Government (Pemkab Natuna), Riau Islands Province, has successfully extinguished a fire that burned forest and land (karhula), scorching an area of approximately 50 hectares (ha).

The Head of the Fire and Rescue Service (Disdamkarmat) of Natuna Regency, Syawal, confirmed from Karimun on Monday that the fire was reported by residents on Sunday (22/3) at 23.40 WIB in Sujung, East Northeast Bunguran Subdistrict.

“The area of forest and land burned is approximately 50 hectares,” he stated.

Upon receiving the report, firefighting personnel immediately prepared their team and equipment to conduct extinguishing operations at the scene. The extinguishing efforts were carried out in collaboration with members of the Indonesian National Police (Polri).

Upon arriving at the location, the personnel promptly initiated fire suppression to prevent it from spreading to other forest and land areas. The extinguishing process lasted for more than three hours, until the fire was finally controlled at 03.30 WIB on Monday (23/3).

Syawal explained that the cause of the fire has not yet been determined and there were no fatalities. However, the fire caused extensive damage to vegetation in the affected area.

In addition to damaging the surrounding environment, the fire also has the potential to cause environmental pollution. Smoke and combustion residues can affect air quality in the surrounding areas and impact the existing ecosystem.

“There were no obstacles in the firefighting operation process, but the impact is quite extensive and can affect air quality around the incident location,” he said.