Officials work to extinguish land fires in Aceh and North Kalimantan

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) stated that joint emergency teams continue to work to extinguish land fires occurring in parts of Aceh Province and North Kalimantan.

Abdul Muhari, Head of the BNPB’s Centre for Disaster Data, Information and Communication, said during a press briefing in Jakarta on Wednesday that land fires on Monday, 9 March, occurred in West Aceh and Aceh Besar districts in Aceh Province, and Nunukan district in North Kalimantan.

According to the BNPB’s Directorate of Central Operations Control, approximately two hectares of land in West Aceh were reported to have burned.

The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of West Aceh district, together with joint teams comprising military and police personnel as well as residents, deployed to the fire sites at Gampong Alue Raya and Suak Pante Breuh in West Aceh.

According to Abdul, emergency teams are attempting to establish fire barriers to prevent the land fire at Suak Pante Breuh from spreading to other areas.

One fire-fighting vehicle from Peukan Bada fire station in Aceh Besar was deployed to handle the fire.

Land fires also occurred in North Kalimantan, affecting approximately 9.5 hectares of mineral land in Binusa Village, Nunukan district.

Abdul stated that the land fire in Binusa was suspected to have been triggered by waste burning by residents.

The rapid response team of the BPBD of Nunukan district has been deployed to handle the land fire.