Seven Days of Fire at Kuningan Landfill, Firefighters Suffer Health Problems

The fire that has engulfed the landfill (TPAS) in Ciniru Village, Jalaksana District, Kuningan Regency, entered its seventh day on Tuesday (18/8/2026). A number of joint personnel working hard to extinguish the blaze have begun to experience health problems.

The emergence of hotspots from behind mounds of waste, which began on Wednesday (12/8/2026), has continued to spread, burning an area of more than five hectares. Strong winds caused the fire to spread rapidly, hampering extinguishing efforts.

The situation has been exacerbated by thick smoke blanketing the entire landfill area. Difficult and hazardous terrain conditions have also posed additional challenges for the joint personnel as they battled the flames.

Although personnel have been working in shifts to extinguish the fire, many of them have suffered health problems. One firefighter had to be rushed to hospital after experiencing shortness of breath and dizziness while on duty.

The Kuningan Regency Health Office (Dinkes) has stationed ambulances and medical personnel at the Ciniru landfill since the incident began. They have been providing health services to firefighters experiencing health issues.

“They (the firefighters) are experiencing shortness of breath due to the thick smoke, so they need oxygen supplies,” said Cucu Sukarti, a medical worker stationed at the Ciniru Village landfill.

Cucu explained that the thick smoke disrupts the oxygen supply to the lungs and heart, causing shortness of breath.

“Some personnel have also requested eye drops because the smoke makes their eyes sting. Thank God, all of them have been treated,” Cucu said.