West Kalimantan BPBD Extends Smoke Emergency Alert as Hotspots Surge
Pontianak (ANTARA) - The West Kalimantan Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) has declared an emergency alert status for the haze disaster until 15 November 2026 following the detection of 200 hotspots across 12 regencies.
“Based on data from BMKG Supadio as of 27 July 2026, there are 200 hotspots scattered across 12 regencies,” said Daniel, Head of the Information Task Force at West Kalimantan BPBD, in Pontianak on Wednesday.
He said the emergency alert status for the haze disaster has been in effect since 2 February 2026 and has been extended until 15 November 2026 because the spread of hotspots has increased in recent weeks.
He noted the three areas with the highest number of hotspots are Kubu Raya Regency with 64 points, Ketapang with 56 points, and North Kayong with 53 points.
Meanwhile, Pontianak city, Singkawang city, Sambas Regency and Sanggau were recorded as having no hotspots according to the data.
Daniel said two areas, namely Sambas and Mempawah, had previously also declared an emergency response status for the haze disaster. However, that status only lasted for seven days.
“To minimise the haze disaster and the increasing number of hotspots, West Kalimantan BPBD together with the joint task force is carrying out forest and land fire suppression in a number of regencies and cities,” he said.
He explained that, based on West Kalimantan BPBD data, most areas of the province are at high risk of forest and land fires between 28 July and 3 August 2026.
Therefore, West Kalimantan BPBD continues to coordinate with BMKG Supadio to monitor hotspot developments across 14 regencies and cities while stepping up preparedness for potential forest and land fires.
Daniel said BPBD and the joint task force are also continuing to intensify ground and air patrols to identify sources of hotspots and monitor the development of forest and land fires in several areas.
“In monitoring the growing number of hotspots, West Kalimantan BPBD remains on standby to carry out anticipation and suppression efforts for forest and land fires,” he said.