Palaka Wira Military Commander deploys troops to anticipate forest and land fires
The Commander of Kodam XXII/Palaka Wira, Major General TNI J Binsar Perluhutan P Sianipar, has placed soldiers on standby to anticipate forest and land fires (karhutla) in the territorial area of the regional military command.
“The forest and land fire that occurred on Mount Barako, Poboya Village, Palu City on Saturday evening (22/8) has drawn our attention, and we are taking part in handling it,” said J Binsar Perluhutan P Sianipar in Palu on Sunday.
He explained that monitoring is being carried out using drones to determine the condition of hotspots that still have the potential to emerge and spread.
From this monitoring, the commander confirmed that handling efforts and personnel readiness are running optimally.
In addition to conducting aerial monitoring, a number of Kodam XXIII/Palaka Wira soldiers have been placed on standby at the location to anticipate the development of forest and land fires.
“Personnel together with relevant elements continue to carry out monitoring and take swift action if new hotspots are found. We have also placed all fire engines within the Kodam XXIII/Palaka Wira command on standby,” he said.
He stated that this readiness is part of the command’s efforts to assist local governments in handling forest and land fires resulting from climate change (El Niño).
The commander stressed the importance of speed in detecting and handling every hotspot, given that wind conditions and terrain in hilly areas can cause embers to reignite.
“We are committed to efforts to handle forest and land fires in the Central Sulawesi and West Sulawesi regions through aerial monitoring and personnel readiness,” said Binsar.
Previously, Palaka Wira soldiers were assigned to join in handling forest and land fires in Donggala Regency on Thursday (20/8) together with the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), fire service and police personnel.
From that incident, around 10 hectares of land were affected in Alindau Village, Sindue Tobata District.