Peatland fires could resurface, BNPB optimises cooling efforts
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) is optimising firefighting, containment, wetting, and cooling processes in peatlands to prevent fires from resurfacing during the handling of forest and land fires (karhutla) in Sumatra and Kalimantan.
Berton Panjaitan, Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Centre, stated in Jakarta on Tuesday that managing forest fires in Kalimantan faces several challenges, including dry peatlands, limited access to water sources, strong winds, and low visibility due to haze.
“Extinguishing the surface does not necessarily mean the fire is out underneath. Therefore, cooling is required, and we need water to achieve this,” said Berton during a press conference held by the Forest and Land Fire Management Coordination Desk at the Coordinating Ministry for Political and Security Affairs.
To detect embers beneath the surface, the BNPB is utilising thermal drones to identify hotspots that are invisible from the surface. This allows officers to inject water or surfactants into locations where embers are still present.
The BNPB is also deploying portable water tanks, optimising pumps and alternative water sources, and constructing reservoirs and canals to strengthen water availability around fire locations.
“These access points can be easily reached by our colleagues in the Land Task Force,” he added.
Berton noted that similar efforts are being undertaken in Sumatra, including opening access routes to fire hotspots so that ground personnel can perform firefighting more rapidly.
Meanwhile, the BNPB continues to carry out weather modification operations by monitoring cloud growth and distribution alongside the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG). Aircraft and seeding materials have been prepared for immediate use when cloud conditions permit.
“We are conducting continuous monitoring of cloud growth alongside BMKG; the aircraft and seeding materials are ready,” said Berton.
The haze, which reduces air quality and visibility, is also a major concern as it impacts aerial operations and community activities. The BNPB is conducting regular monitoring of air quality and visibility, while the Ministry of Health is supporting the distribution of masks through local health offices and community health centres (puskesmas).
Preparedness in healthcare services is also being strengthened, including the provision of oxygen rooms for patients requiring intensive oxygen therapy and the situational implementation of distance learning in several affected regions.