Wildfires Reignite in Indonesia's North Kalimantan

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Wildfires have continued to spread across parts of North Kalimantan as authorities work to contain fires that have burned dozens of hectares of land amid dry weather.

According to Antara, The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) said Wednesday that joint teams were still battling fires in Bulungan Regency, where flames that had flared up again were burning land in several areas.

BNPB Acting Head of Data, Information and Disaster Communication Center Berton SP Panjaitan said the fires had burned around 55 hectares since August 30, with the main hotspots detected in Sejau Hilir Village, East Tanjung Palas District, Bulungan.

“The fires are still being handled and have not been fully extinguished. Personnel in the field continue working to put out the flames that have reignited,” Berton said in Jakarta.

North Kalimantan on Wildfire Alert

The North Kalimantan provincial government has declared an emergency standby status for forest and land fires from August 20 through December 31, 2026.

The measure is intended to accelerate firefighting efforts and prepare authorities for the possible emergence of new hotspots as dry weather persists.

BNPB said it would continue monitoring the situation and coordinate with local authorities to increase personnel and other support if necessary. The agency also said efforts were being intensified to fully contain the fires and prevent them from spreading to residential areas.

Read: Kalimantan Wildfire Haze Reaches Philippines as Air Quality Worsens

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