Water Bombing of Semeru Forest Fires Hindered by Strong Winds
Massive aerial water bombing operations to extinguish forest and land fires (karhutla) in the Mount Semeru area, Lumajang Regency, are facing obstacles due to strong winds.
These conditions are causing the fire to spread quickly and are simultaneously making it difficult for helicopters to perform aerial firefighting.
In a statement on Thursday (3/9) afternoon, the Head of the East Java Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), Gatot Soebroto, revealed that there are at least two active fire spots in the Mount Semeru area, specifically around Ranu Kumbolo and Ranu Pane B29.
Both locations are described as being remote, steep, and difficult to reach via land routes.
“The obstacle at the location is strong wind. In addition to causing the fire to spread rapidly, the water bombing operation is also hindered by the wind gusts,” said Gatot on Thursday.
Nevertheless, aerial firefighting efforts continue. The PK-DAP helicopter, belonging to the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) and brought in from Lampung, began water bombing on Wednesday (2/9) in the western area of the Climbing Post 1, specifically at the cliff ridge of Ranupane Village, Senduro District.
As of 12:00 WIB, the helicopter, which has a 1,000-litre bucket capacity, had performed water bombing at the location 21 times, with a total water discharge reaching 21,000 litres.
In addition to aerial efforts, firefighting is also being conducted via land by a joint team. The ground team is performing manual firefighting and creating firebreaks to sever the fire’s path and prevent it from spreading to residential areas.
According to data from the East Java BPBD Operations Control Centre (Pusdalop), the area of land affected by the fires in the Mount Semeru region has now reached approximately 600 hectares.
Gatot expressed hope that weather conditions would improve soon so that water bombing operations could run more optimally.
“I hope the weather becomes more supportive, as strong winds affect the safety of the helicopter units while conducting water bombing operations,” he said.