Sjamsudin Noor Air Base Extinguishes Hidden Embers Beneath Peat Layers

Banjarbaru (ANTARA) - The Sjamsudim Noor Air Base (Lanud) is currently focusing its efforts on extinguishing hidden embers beneath peat layers that have caused widespread burning in the ring 1 area of the airport in Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan.

“We are deploying portable folding tanks as a water supply source to support the wetting and cooling process of the peatland,” said the Commander of Sjamsudin Noor Air Base, Colonel Pnb Hilman L.P. Ambarita, in Banjarbaru on Friday.

The Air Base Commander noted that water must be available as close as possible to the handling site to ensure the wetting process can be carried out optimally, particularly in areas that are still emitting smoke.

Personnel are moving to survey points that still show signs of heat beneath the ground surface.

Water from the tanks is being used to moisten the affected areas and lower surface temperatures, while simultaneously supporting the cooling process in locations that potentially harbour embers.

“Using an injection method through pipes planted into the ground, the cooling process is not only performed on the surface of the land, but can also moisten the peat layers to prevent embers from reigniting,” he said.

The Air Base Commander added that the deployment of folding tanks and the implementation of the peat injection method are steps taken to accelerate the handling of forest and land fires, specifically in addressing embers that persist beneath the peat surface.