Fire burns 72 hectares in Meru Betiri National Park in East Java

Jember, E Java (ANTARA) - Joint teams are battling a forest and land fire in Meru Betiri National Park spotted in Curahnongko Village, Jember District, East Java Province, that has burned 72 hectares.

“The fire has been burning since Tuesday (September 8) and has yet to be fully extinguished,” Chief of Jember Regional Agency for Disaster Countermeasures (BPBD) Edy Budi Susilo said here on Friday.

The fire affected forest areas in Curahnongko and Andongrejo Villages in Tempurejo subdistrict, he said.

The blaze is believed to have started in the western part of the forest before spreading to dry leaves, grass and vines, Edy said, adding that it has burned 72 hectares of forest and land, while strong winds have made it difficult to extinguish with manual equipment.

According to Edy, since the strong winds strengthened the flames, it is approaching settlements within about 100 meters and causing concern among residents who joined firefighters in manual efforts.

Smoke from the fire reportedly caused breathing difficulties and eye irritation among residents of Krajan Hamlet in Curahnongko, prompting officials to distribute masks, Edy said.

Although the fire was extinguished Thursday (September 10) evening, new hotspots emerged in the forest east of Andongrejo Village, he said.

The BPBD emergency response team assisted the Meru Betiri National Park’s Andongrejo Resort team in fighting the fire manually and distributing masks to Curahnongko residents.

“The fire has been extinguished in the western forest area of Curahnongko, while the eastern forest area of Andongrejo is still burning,” Edy said.

Jember's BPBD has sent emergency response personnel to Andongrejo and coordinated with the Ambulu fire station to provide water for firefighting operations.

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Translator: Zumrotun S, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Bayu Prasetyo
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