West Java Police Chief Urges Public to Increase Awareness to Prevent Forest and Land Fires

Bandung (ANTARA) - West Java Regional Police Chief, Inspector General Pipit Rismante, has requested that the community increase their awareness and work together to prevent forest and land fires (karhutla) that could potentially occur in several areas of West Java.

Pipit stated that preventative measures need to be taken early, as forest and land fires are frequently triggered by human activities that are, in fact, avoidable.

“To the people of West Java, we urge you to work together to prevent fire-prone areas. First, do not burn rubbish anywhere; second, do not discard cigarette butts carelessly, and avoid other activities involving fire,” Pipit said in a statement in Bandung on Tuesday.

According to him, the habit of open waste burning needs to be stopped, especially when land and vegetation conditions are drying out due to the dry season.

The West Java Regional Police also reminded those engaging in outdoor activities to ensure that any use of fire remains supervised and that no fire sources are left unattended after activities are completed.

Pipit noted that preventing forest and land fires also requires synergy between the police force and the communities living near fire-prone areas.

“We hope to build a collective awareness within the community. Cooperation from all parties is the primary key to keeping West Java safe, beautiful, and free from the dangers of land fires,” he said.

He added that monitoring of areas with fire potential is being continuously strengthened to prevent the emergence of hotspots.

Pipit expressed hope that public awareness and participation could reduce the risk of forest and land fires, while simultaneously preventing material losses and ecosystem damage caused by fires.