Prolonged Dry Season Triggers Bamboo Forest Fire in Ciamis, Suspected to be Caused by Cigarette Butts

The prolonged dry season occurring in various regions has caused a fire in a bamboo plantation located in Sukahurip Hamlet, Sindangsari Village, Cikoneng District, Ciamis Regency, West Java. The fire is suspected to have been caused by discarded cigarette butts, though no casualties were reported during the incident.

The Acting Head of the Ciamis Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), Ani Supiani, stated that the dry season caused the bamboo plantation in Sukahurip Hamlet to ignite. It is suspected that cigarette butts thrown by residents ignited the area, which then spread.

“We received reports from local residents regarding the fire in the bamboo plantation. BPBD officers, firefighters, the TNI, the Police, and local residents carried out firefighting efforts. There were no casualties, as the fire primarily consumed weeds and dry leaves before reaching the bamboo trees,” said Ani Supiani on Sunday.

According to Ani, firefighters managed to suppress the flames spreading through the bamboo, weeds, and dry leaves by deploying three fire engines to the location, supported by the TNI, Polri, and local residents.

As the incident did not spread extensively, officers used the opportunity to educate nearby residents against the dangers of discarding cigarette butts or burning rubbish indiscriminately, which can trigger fires.

“The cause of the fire in Sukahurip Hamlet is the abundance of dry leaves and weeds, making the land highly flammable. We urge residents living near these lands not to create any fire triggers, especially not by throwing cigarette butts, as the dry season is dangerous and could cause fires to spread to other areas,” she added.