Savanna forest area in Rinjani on fire, flames yet to be extinguished

The Mount Rinjani National Park (TNGR) Office has stated that joint task forces are currently focusing on extinguishing a forest fire in the Propok Savanna area, Aikmel Resort, within the Mount Rinjani National Park, East Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB).

Astekita Ardi, Head of the TNGR Office Administration Sub-division, stated on Tuesday that field monitoring detected the first fire spot at approximately 11:00 WITA in the Propok 2 Savanna area. The fire subsequently spread to the Propok 1 Savanna area, which is dominated by dry savanna vegetation.

In response to the information, the Propok Savanna Management Group immediately initiated firefighting efforts, deploying 15 personnel to the site at 13:00 WITA. However, these efforts have not yet succeeded in controlling all fire spots due to limitations in personnel, logistics, and available firefighting equipment. As of 19:00 WITA, flames were still observed to be active in several affected parts of the area.

“Given that it is now night with very limited lighting, and considering the safety of the personnel on duty, firefighting activities have been temporarily suspended and will resume on Wednesday (3/6) morning,” she said.

She added that the TNGR Office continues to coordinate and consolidate with relevant parties to support effective fire management and minimise the impact on the area’s ecosystem. The increasingly dry vegetation during the dry season has made the forest and savanna areas more vulnerable to fire.

Consequently, the public is urged to avoid activities that could potentially trigger fires, such as land clearing by burning, burning vegetation remains, discarding cigarette butts carelessly, or lighting fires without adequate supervision. The TNGR Office also calls upon all members of the community to play an active role in fire prevention by immediately reporting any fire spots, smoke, or indications of fire within or around the forest area to the authorities.