South Sulawesi BPBD records 112 forest and land fires throughout 2026
The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of South Sulawesi Province has recorded 112 forest and land fire (karhutla) incidents from January to August 2026.
“From this series of incidents, the total burned area reached 1,613.67 hectares, comprising 1,607.92 hectares of forest and land and 5.75 hectares of community plantations,” explained Head of South Sulawesi BPBD Amson Padolo in Makassar on Tuesday.
He said the karhutla incidents were spread across 15 areas in South Sulawesi. Enrekang Regency was the region with the largest affected area, reaching 1,044.55 hectares from 10 fire incidents.
Next was Barru Regency with a burned area of approximately 315 hectares from five incidents, and Tana Toraja Regency reaching 125 hectares from 11 incidents.
According to Amson, fire intensity increased entering the peak of the dry season, especially from July to August 2026. Hot weather conditions and strong winds also increased the risk of fire spreading in several areas.
Karhutla not only causes environmental damage but also impacts communities. In Palopo City, for example, 10 incidents were recorded that burned 1.25 hectares of gardens and 3.5 hectares of forest and land.
The impact affected 12 families and caused four casualties. In addition, 39 business units and facilities suffered damage, with 37 units located in Barru Regency and two units in North Luwu Regency, South Sulawesi.
South Sulawesi BPBD reminded the public not to carry out open burning activities, including burning rubbish or land, because dry conditions make fire spread easily, especially when accompanied by strong winds.
Amson stressed the need for collective vigilance to prevent the emergence of new hotspots. Prevention efforts are considered important because the dry season still has the potential to increase the risk of karhutla in several areas of South Sulawesi.
In addition to environmental aspects, BPBD also reminded that karhutla incidents can have legal implications. Handling of incidents that have been found has been carried out in accordance with applicable regulations.
With the burned area having reached more than 1,600 hectares by August, South Sulawesi BPBD asked the public and all relevant parties to strengthen prevention, especially in areas with dry vegetation that are prone to fire.