Two die in forest fires

LAHAT, South Sumatra: Aniruldi Rasiman, 30, and Pajiman Hasan, 50, died on Monday while trying to contain forest fires in Serai village, Merapi district.

The two workers of forest concessionaire PT Musi Hutan Persada, a subsidiary of Barito Timber Pasifik, were on a tractor towing a water tank when a burning tree fell on them.

Antara reported the fires started several days earlier. There were no details as to how the fires began, but some 50 hectares of forest as well as local people's rubber tree estates were damaged.

Lahat police chief Lt. Col. T. Pontolumiu said he would dispatch a team to investigate the cause of the fires.

Lahat regent Solichin Daud said he had ordered his men to help prevent the fires from spreading. He warned local farmers against clearing land by burning off shrubbery and trees.

Earlier fires in the area damaged some 500 hectares of forest and plantations. (swe)