UGM Experts Investigate Mysterious Fires in Sleman Following Detection of Hydrogen Gas
A mysterious fire occurring at a resident’s house in Seyegan, Slemane, has prompted experts from the Faculty of Engineering, UGM, to intervene. The experts conducted observations and collected samples at the location.
The UGM research team witnessed firsthand the combustion of several items in Mutfia’s house today. According to reports, at approximately 12:19 WIB, a t-shirt inside a bedroom suddenly caught fire. Before the flames could spread, the team used a fire extinguisher to suppress the fire. Shortly after, white smoke began to emanate from the shirt. The researchers then moved the shirt outdoors, where measurements revealed a continuous increase in temperature and intensifying white smoke.
“We have just witnessed this live, following information from Ms Mutfia. This is truly an extraordinary incident that we can observe directly,” explained Prof. Alva Edy Tontowi, Coordinator of the Centre for Study of Entropy Slowdown (PKPE) FT UGM, when met by journalists on Monday (1/6/2026).
Prof. Alva explained that measurements showed a rising temperature in the burnt shirt. The team also detected the presence of rising hydrogen gas (H2) in the clothing involved in the fire.
“Essentially, we measured the temperature, and it continued to rise. Furthermore, we monitored a continuous increase in hydrogen gas (H2),” he clarified.
He stated that the samples taken will be analysed in the laboratory on Tuesday (2/6) to determine the cause of the hydrogen gas emergence. To mitigate fire risks, the team requested the homeowner to vacate the room, as flammable materials such as cloth and paper remain in the area.
“There is a condition where the fire moves because it is gas-based. Once the gas concentration meets the required threshold, it becomes flammable,” he added.
Regarding the observations, the team has not yet reached a definitive conclusion. The presence of hydrogen, methane, and other possibilities require further investigation to achieve certain results.
“For now, these are merely suspicions; the final results must come from laboratory measurements. We are relying on empirical data, not just words,” he said.
During the same session, a member of the UGM research team, Prof. Dr. Ir. Agung Harijoko, S.T., M.Eng, IPM, explained that the gas detection equipment identified the presence of methane, hydrogen, carbon dioxide (CO2), and oxygen (O2). Specifically, in the room where the fire occurred this afternoon, there was a significant spike in hydrogen gas concentration.
“We detected CH4, hydrogen, CO2, and O2. The area where the fire occurred showed a direct, high spike in hydrogen gas,” explained Prof. Agung.
The Professor of Volcanology explained that hydrogen gas can ignite without a spark. Therefore, there is a suspicion that hydrogen may be the cause of the items in Mutfia’s house catching fire. However, the team still needs to confirm the source and the mechanism of hydrogen formation within the house.
“The primary suspect is hydrogen gas. However, we must investigate the source and the mechanism of how this hydrogen gas is formed,” he clarified.
Currently, the team has taken water samples from the well to check if there are hydrogen-producing organisms.
“We need to investigate whether the decomposition or decay of organic matter is what is producing the hydrogen,” he concluded.