Waste Fire in South Tangerang Resembles Peatland Fire, Flames Burning 3 Metres Deep

The South Tangerang Fire Department (Damkar Tangsel) has revealed the difficulties faced in extinguishing a waste pile fire in Pisangan, East Ciputat, South Tangerang. The Head of Operations for the South Tangerang Fire Department, Omay Komarudin, stated that the fire resembles a peatland fire because the flames are burning beneath the surface of the waste.

“The obstacle is that this is burning like peatland. We spray from the surface, and it goes out. However, underneath, the fire point is at a depth of approximately 3 metres. The fire underneath remains alight,” said Omay at the fire site on Friday (4/9/2026).

His department has subsequently requested assistance from the South Tangerang City Government to deploy heavy machinery. He noted that heavy equipment is necessary to lift the piles of waste so that the hidden flames can be reached and extinguished.

“That is why we have requested assistance from the Environmental Agency (DLH) and the Water Resources Agency (DSDA) to send heavy equipment. Without breaking up the pile, 100 or even 1,000 fire engines will not be able to extinguish it, because the fire is not being reached at the source,” he said.

“There are pieces of wood, spring beds, and all sorts of things. If you look inside, they are still there. There are spring beds and other highly flammable materials. The waste pile is covered with a layer of soil,” he added.

As previously reported, the waste pile fire occurred in the Pisangan area, East Ciputat, on Thursday (3/9). Thick smoke continued to plume around the location through Friday (4/9).