Savanna Fire on Kenawa Island Reaches 5 Hectares, Suspected to be Triggered by Cigarette Butts

The area of the savanna fire on Kenawa Island, Poto Tano Village, West Sumbawa, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), has reached 5 hectares. The fire is suspected to have been triggered by cigarette butts thrown carelessly.

“The total area of Kenawa Island is approximately 15 hectares, while the area of the burnt savanna has reached five hectares,” said the Head of the West Sumbable Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), Abdullah, on Sunday (4/10/2026).

According to Abdullah, the extent of the burnt savanna is based on preliminary reports from the Poto Tano Police Sector. The initial suspicion is that the fire was caused by cigarette butts discarded onto dry grass.

“The cause of the fire is strongly suspected to be cigarette butts thrown carelessly in the savanna area, which was in a dry condition. Strong winds caused the fire to spread rapidly,” Abdullah explained.

Abdullah noted that sparks on Kenawa Island first appeared on Sunday (4/10/2026) at around 09:00 WITA and continued to expand due to the dry grass and high winds. The fire was subsequently reported to the Poto Tano Police Sector and the West Sumbawa BPBD.

“The fire was briefly managed by local residents and tourists at the location around 11:00 WITA. However, shortly after, sparks reappeared,” said Abdullah.

The fire was eventually extinguished around 12:30 WITA. Personnel from the Poto Tano Police Sector and the Poto Tano Village Government were deployed to the site to cut off the fire’s path. Total suppression was achieved after the West Sumbawa BPBD and Fire Department sent assistance, including several personnel and water pump machines.

“There were casualties, including both injuries and fatalities, in this incident,” Abdullah clarified.