West Java BPBD Urges Vigilance Against Human-Caused Fires During Dry Season

The West Java Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) has reminded the public to increase their vigilance against non-natural disasters during the dry season. The primary focus of the warning is the threat of fires, which are often triggered by human negligence.

Head of the West Java BPBD, Teten Ali Mulku Engkun, explained that forest and land fires (karhutla) in West Java have different characteristics compared to phenomena abroad. According to him, karhutla in the region are generally not caused by extreme temperatures or the natural friction of dry materials, but rather by the daily activities of residents.

“Karhutla in our area is usually not like abroad, where it results from excessive heat and friction that then ignites a fire. On average, it is due to cigarette butts, making a campfire and then forgetting to extinguish it, and burning rubbish,” Teten stated in Bandung on Monday (27/7).

Teten urged the public to avoid high-risk actions in open areas, such as carelessly discarding cigarette butts or lighting campfires without strict supervision. Beyond the threat in open land, the BPBD also highlighted the high risk of fires in residential areas during this dry period.

The public is asked to be more thorough in inspecting electrical installations in their respective homes. The use of electronic devices that do not meet safety standards or expired cables are the main triggers for electrical short circuits.

“If you find unstable electricity and cables that are already expired, immediately carry out repairs through PLN officers,” he stressed.

In addition to electrical issues, the use of alternative fire sources such as candles during power outages is also a concern. Teten reminded residents to always keep candles away from flammable objects to prevent the fire from spreading to buildings.

“If, for example, there is a power outage now, do not use candles close to dangerous items,” Teten concluded.