Police Utilise X-Fire Drones to Extinguish Forest Fires in OKI, South Sumatra
The South Sumatra Regional Police (Polda Sumsel) and the National Police Logistics Bureau (Slog Polri) are utilising drone technology to extinguish forest and land fires (Karhutla) in the Ogan Komering Ilir (OKI) region.
Brigadier General Hery Santoso, Head of the Procurement Bureau of Slog Polri, stated that the use of drones is intended to facilitate the dispersal of X-Fire liquid onto fire hotspots. This emergency tactical measure is necessary due to the increasing escalation and spread of forest fires in the OKI area. He noted that the impact of the fires has triggered thick haze in the mornings, which has begun to impair visibility for the public.
“The primary focus of the firefighting efforts targets peatland areas in Sungai Bungin Village, Pangkalan Lampam District, as well as areas surrounding the Trans-Sumatra Toll Road (Kapal Betung) section,” he said in a written statement on Monday (28/9).
Since its deployment on Saturday (26/9), Hery admitted that the X-Fire liquid dispersed via drones has proven effective and maximal in handling the forest fires. He noted that this aerial innovation represents a significant breakthrough, as it can reach fire hotspots in terrains that are difficult for ground personnel to access or locations far from water sources.
“The OKI region possesses vast peatlands that are highly vulnerable to fire, and the conditions are difficult to reach with minimal water availability, thus requiring extra handling. This innovation of spraying X-Fire liquid from the air is far more practical, economical, and minimises risks for personnel on the ground,” he explained.
He further explained that before being deployed directly, the combination of drone use and X-Fire liquid had undergone a series of firefighting trials. Nevertheless, he continues to urge the community to preserve the environment and cease the practice of clearing land through burning.
Meanwhile, the Head of Public Relations for the South Sumatra Regional Police, Commissioner Nandang Mu’min Wijaya, described the deployment of X-Fire technology as a form of the National Police’s commitment to protecting the public from haze disasters.
“The utilisation of drones and X-Fire liquid is a tangible manifestation of optimising handling to prevent fire hotspots from spreading. We urge the community not to clear land by burning,” he said.