South Kalimantan BPBD detects 2,899 hotspots in Tapin

The dry season has made land and vegetation more susceptible to burning and could accelerate the spread of fire if not addressed promptly.

The South Kalimantan Provincial Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) recorded 129 forest and land fire (karhutla) incidents in Tapin Regency, with the number of hotspots reaching 2,899, during the period of 1–19 August 2026.

Head of the Tapin BPBD, Muhammad Nor, said the fires have shown no signs of subsiding, as incidents are still being found almost every day.

“From the beginning of August until now, there have been two to four karhutla incidents every day,” he said in Rantau, Tapin, on Sunday.

He noted that during the 1–19 August period, the burned area covered approximately 560.69 hectares.

According to Muhammad Nor, the dry season has made land and vegetation more flammable and could potentially accelerate the spread of fire if not handled promptly.

“We urge the public to report immediately if they spot any fire so that officers can take action before the blaze spreads,” he added.

Muhammad Nor said the Tapin BPBD is reminding residents not to clear or open land by burning.

With the burned area having reached more than 560 hectares in less than three weeks, he said prevention is considered a crucial step to curb the increase in karhutla cases in Tapin.

“We hope the community will work together to prevent fires and report immediately if they find any hotspots,” he said.