West Kalimantan Forest Fire Claims Life During Extinguishing Efforts

A resident has died in Ketapang Regency, West Kalimantan, while participating in extinguishing efforts for a forest and land fire (karhutla). According to Yunifar Purwantoro, Head of the Ketapang Regency Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), the victim allegedly lost consciousness while attempting to pass through thick smoke on his way home, subsequently being engulfed by flames on the sides of the road and perishing. In addition to the fatality, an elderly resident suffered burns and is currently receiving medical treatment at Dr. Agoesdjam Ketapang Hospital. Purwantoro stated that the forest fire situation in Ketapang is not yet fully under control, with a joint team continuing suppression operations from early morning. Priority is being given to vulnerable areas, including the Pelang and Bukit Gunung Skuri Village areas in Sungai Laur District. Helicopter-based "water bombing" operations have commenced to aid in suppression efforts. This technique involves dropping large quantities of water or chemical retardants from the air using helicopters or specialized aircraft. The BPBD estimates that the burned land area in the Pelang Village area alone exceeds 40 hectares. However, firefighting operations are hampered by the significant difficulty in securing water sources at the fire sites, making water bombing crucial for areas inaccessible to ground teams. Purwantoro expressed hope that the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) would station patrol and water bombing helicopters at Rahadi Oesman Ketapang Airport to expedite response times for forest fire handling. Fire points have been detected in nearly all sub-districts within Ketapang Regency. The BPBD urges the public to refrain from opening land by burning and to immediately report any fire incidents to authorities to prevent further spread. Information Source: VOI English