Recurring Fires in Seyegan Houses Spread, Now Reaching 81 Incidents

The fires affecting residents’ homes in Padukuhan Kasuran Mriyan X, Seyegan, Sleman, have not yet ceased, and the scope of the damage is expanding. The homeowner, Agus, reported that the fire spread to the north side of his property, specifically affecting the backyard of the shop where his family had been seeking refuge. He noted that the fire spread through wooden structures rather than fabric.

As of the 11th day of monitoring, there have been a total of 81 fire incidents occurring at random times and locations, with some specific points being hit multiple times. Experts from UPN ‘Veteran’ Yogyakarta are currently conducting investigations to determine the cause of these repeated incidents. Professor Basuki Rahmad, Dean of FTME UPN ‘Veteran’ Yogyakarta, stated that the discovery of burnt plywood outside the house strengthens the suspicion that methane gas is escaping from beneath the ground surface.

He explained that methane gas tends to adhere to moisture and accumulates in humid areas. The Geophysics team from UPN Yogyakarta is scheduled to conduct further investigations to map the underground rock layers suspected of carrying the methane gas. Previously, the team identified potential gas sources near a river approximately 300 metres from the house, where dark rock outcrops and water puddles were observed emitting gas bubbles.

The investigation will use geophysical recordings to determine the extent of the siltstone layers and whether the gas distribution reaches the residential area. Local residents have also reported previous natural fires in bamboo groves and ditches, as well as the detection of gas smells during well-digging attempts, providing crucial data for the ongoing scientific investigation.