South Sumatra BPBD Extinguishes Forest Fires at Two Locations in Muba

The South Sumatra Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) has successfully extinguished forest and land fires occurring at two locations in the Musi Banyuasin (Muba) Regency through aerial firefighting operations using helicopters.

Sudirman, Head of the Emergency Response Division of BPBD South Sumatra, stated in Palembang on Friday that the fires were detected in the Batanghari Leko and Sanga Desa districts during aerial patrols of fire-prone areas.

“From the results of aerial monitoring, the area of burnt land is estimated to be around four hectares, with each point covering approximately two hectares,” he said.

He explained that the fires occurred in Lubuk Bintialo Village, Batanglar Leko District, and Ulak Mbacang Village, Sanga Desa District. Hot weather conditions and drying vegetation caused the fire to have the potential to spread, necessitating rapid intervention.

Firefighting in Lubuk Bintialo Village was successfully completed after the helicopter performed 11 water drops on the affected area.

“The location in Sanga Desa is still smoking. It will be monitored again today, and further handling will be carried out if there is a potential for the fire to expand,” he explained.

BPBD South Sumatra will also continue aerial patrols in several other regions that have a high level of vulnerability to forest and land fires during the dry season.

The agency also urged the public not to clear land by burning, as this can trigger wider and more uncontrollable fires. The community is also requested to report immediately if any fire spots are found so that handling can be conducted as quickly as possible.

As the dry season approaches, BPBD South Sumatra continues to increase preparedness and surveillance to reduce the risk of forest and land fires in various areas across the province.