Bandung Landfill Fire Forces Four Elderly Residents to Hospital

A large-scale fire at a temporary waste disposal site (TPS) in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia, has severely impacted the health of surrounding residents due to widespread smoke. The fire, which broke out on Monday (September 14) at a landfill in the Cidadap district, has spread over two hectares. Even after more than 13 hours since the fire started, it remains unextinguished, with the sloped terrain complicating firefighting efforts. So far, a total of 11 residents have reported feeling unwell due to exposure to the smoke. Among them, four elderly individuals exhibited symptoms of acute respiratory infection (ISPA) and were transported to the Cidadap Health Center. According to Cidadap District Head Maulana, the smell of methane gas has also been detected at the site, and there are concerns about potential landslides. Over 40,000 liters of water have been used in firefighting operations, but strong winds are exacerbating the blaze and hindering extinguishment. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, with possibilities ranging from discarded cigarettes to intentional arson. The smoke from the fire has reached residential areas, schools, and even the Salamun Hospital, located approximately 100 meters away. In response, local authorities in Cidadap have established health posts and evacuation shelters, and are collaborating with SMP 52 Middle School to ensure students wear masks. Maulana noted that this is not the first fire at this landfill; similar incidents have occurred in the past, requiring over three days to extinguish. Authorities are deploying all available resources to ensure the swift suppression of the current fire. Source: CNN Indonesia