Rainfall Helps Extinguish Several Forest and Land Fire Hotspots in Riau
Widespread rainfall across the Riau Province in the early hours of Friday (11/9) has had a positive impact on the management of forest and land fires (Karhutla). The downpour significantly assisted the firefighting process at several locations within the region.
The Head of the Riau Regional Disaster Management and Firefighting Agency (BPBDP DPK), M. Edy Afrizal, confirmed that several large fire points, specifically in Indragiri Hulu (Inhu) and Siak regencies, have now been reported as extinguished.
“Rain fell quite evenly across Riau. Several Karhutla locations that were previously quite large, such as in Inhu and Siak, are reported to have been extinguished due to the heavy rain,” Edy stated on Saturday (12/9).
Although surface flames are no longer visible, BPBDPK Riau has not withdrawn all personnel. Edy emphasised that field teams remain on standby to conduct strict monitoring, given that the burnt areas consist of peatland.
The primary concern for officers is the presence of embers remaining beneath the surface (ground fire). These embers could trigger new fires at any time if exposed to wind or if weather conditions become hot again.
“Teams remain on standby at the burnt sites to perform cooling down operations. This is an anticipatory measure in case the fire resurfaces so it can be immediately extinguished,” he explained.
While fires in Inhu and Siak have subsided, new challenges have emerged in other areas. BPBDPK has received reports of new fire points in the Bantan District, Bengkalis Regency. This fire is located near the areas that were previously successfully extinguished.
“New fire points have emerged in Bengkalis. The location is near the previous fire sites. Extinguishing efforts by joint teams are currently underway,” Edy added.
To tackle the fires in Bengkalis, relevant authorities have deployed full strength. In addition to ground teams, two water bombing helicopters have been deployed to the location to conduct aerial firefighting.
Furthermore, the government is maximising Weather Modification Operations (OMC), or artificial rain. This step was taken as monitoring shows potential rain clouds in the Bengkalis area that can be optimised to assist the natural extinguishing process.
“Two helicopters have been deployed to assist in extinguishing the fire in Bengkalis. We are also conducting OMC because there is potential for rain clouds,” he concluded.