Tangerang declares emergency response status for Jatiwaringin landfill fire

The Tangerang Regency administration in Banten Province has raised the status of the firefighting operation at the Jatiwaringin Final Disposal Site (TPA) in Mauk District from alert to emergency response to optimise handling efforts on the ground. Tangerang Regent Moch Maesyal Rasyid stated on Wednesday that the decision was made because the situation concerns public health and safety, and the risk of the fire continuing to spread. The status upgrade was based on an evaluation meeting held since Tuesday with the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), the Environmental and Hygiene Agency (DLHK), and other relevant agencies. The Regent has issued a decree regarding the escalation, noting that smoke from the fire is being carried by the wind towards nearby residential areas. Other indicators for the decision included the expanding fire area, a surge in the number of hotspots, the dry season forecast, personnel capacity, and the extent of the incident’s impact. With the new status, a helicopter from the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) is planned to conduct water bombing, as some locations are inaccessible to land vehicles. The Deputy for Emergency Management at BNPB has been monitoring the fire, which continues to burn and has the potential to spread. The Head of BNPB has instructed personnel to proceed to the location for further assessment, coordination with the local government, and reinforcement of firefighting efforts. Preliminary assessments indicate that firefighting is being hampered because the burning material is predominantly waste and flammable substances. The fire spots are located on piles of rubbish at considerable heights, making them difficult for personnel to reach, a situation worsened by strong winds and hot weather that cause the fire to spread rapidly. To accelerate containment, two water-bombing helicopters have been deployed, and weather modification operations are being considered. Ground firefighting efforts continue with 10 fire engines from various agencies, focusing on accessible areas to prevent the fire from spreading further. The affected area is estimated to have reached 15 hectares. The impact is being felt by the surrounding community, with 30 families, comprising 52 individuals, forced to evacuate to the Tanjakan Mekar Village Hall due to the smoke.