Riau Forest and Land Fires Expand to 94 Hectares, Firefighting Hampered by Access and Water Sources
Forest and land fires (karhutla) in Riau continue to expand, now affecting 94 hectares across three locations in Pelalawan and Indragiri Hulu regencies.
Ferdian Krisnanto, Head of the Sumatra Forest Fire Control Brigade (Dalkarhut), stated that the firefighting operations at the three sites are being handled by the Manggala Agni Daops Rengat team.
“For the location in Kerumutan Village, Pelalawan Regency, the burned area has reached 64 hectares. We have conducted digitisation of the area and are now on the seventh day of operations,” Ferdian said on Thursday (6/8).
He explained that the challenges at the Kerumutan site include dense fuel conditions and a considerable distance to reach the fire front. The process of transporting equipment involves a 45-minute ride on two-wheeled vehicles followed by a 1.5-kilometre walk.
“Additionally, heavy equipment support has been provided to open access roads, create firebreaks, and build embung (small reservoirs) as water sources. We are also rotating personnel to manage work rhythm and maintain physical condition and health. The status remains uncontained, so firefighting efforts are continuing,” he said.
At the Mak Teduh site in Kerumutan, Pelalawan Regency, the estimated burned area is 10 hectares, and operations have entered the third day. Challenges there include dense fuel conditions and difficult access to the fire front, requiring a 2-kilometre detour on foot because the main access is cut off by a canal. The area recently experienced high-intensity rain for 45 minutes. The current status involves mopping up to complete extinguishing efforts and ensure no remaining embers could reignite the fire.
For the location in Sungai Guntung Hilir, Indragiri Hulu Regency, the estimated burned area is 20 hectares, with operations also on the third day. Challenges include dense fuel conditions, thick smoke, strong winds, limited water sources, and dried-up embung. The firefighting team is working from the centre of the location as the only available water source is on the southern side, with 20 rolls of hose stretching only 600 metres.
“We are seeking heavy equipment support to open access to the northern fire front, preparing embung as water sources, and creating firebreaks. The status remains uncontained, and firefighting continues,” Ferdian added.
He also noted that one fire spot was detected in the Pasir Limau Kapas area of Rokan Hilir Regency by the air task force. A patrol team from Daops Dumai has conducted a ground check and will be mobilised to the location.
Furthermore, weather modification operations, or artificial rain, are being carried out in several locations by seeding clouds using a Cessna Caravan aircraft. The first sortie targeted locations in Pelalawan and Siak, while the second sortie covered Pelalawan, Indragiri Hilir, and the Meranti Islands.