Officers prepare firefighting strategy in TNBS area

Tanjung Jabung Timur, Jambi (ANTARA) - Officers are preparing a strategy to extinguish a fire that broke out on Wednesday evening in the Berbak Sembilang National Park (TNBS) area, Simpang Datuk Resort, National Park Management Section (SPTN) Region 1, in Grid 1.3.2.

According to the Head of the TNBS Office, Yunaidi, field officers are currently preparing a strategy and seeking easier access to reach the ‘fire front’ to accelerate the extinguishing process.

‘It is true (the TNBS area) is burning,’ said Yunaidi when confirmed in Jambi on Wednesday.

In his statement, the fire location is at Parit Empat, Simpang Datuk Village, Nipah Panjang District, Tanjung Jabung Timur Regency, Jambi Province.

The fire occurred within the national park area and other use areas (APL). The burned area consists of scrubland growing on peat soil.

As of this evening, the fire has not yet been brought under control due to strong winds and its increasingly widespread distribution.

‘Tonight the extinguishing process has been temporarily halted to ensure the safety of officers,’ he said.

Based on the plan and follow-up to the extinguishing efforts, the task force will increase the number of personnel and add hoses to reach the furthest fire points.

Yunaidi urged the public not to conduct open burning amid the current dry season situation.

‘I ask the public not to conduct burning because in the current situation, the material is very flammable, and once it catches fire it is very difficult to extinguish,’ he said.