2 BNPB Helicopters Involved In Extinguishing Forest And Land Fires In South Kalimantan

Illustration of the Karhutla fire helicopter (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) deployed two helicopters to help extinguish forest and land fires (karhutla) in Banjarbaru City, South Kalimantan (Kalsel).

BNPB was forced to deploy two helicopters to carry out water bombings because the location of forest fires and peatlands in the Pengayuan Jembatan Dua area, Liang Anggang District, Banjarbaru City, was difficult to get water supplies.

The strong wind at that location made the flames spread more and spread towards residential areas.

In addition, strong winds caused smog that disrupted traffic flow on national roads that connect a number of districts and cities in South Kalimantan.

South Kalimantan BPBD personnel, Rahmat Hidayat said two BNPB helicopters had been deployed to the forest and land fires location to extinguish the flames that hit peatlands in Pangayuan Jembatan Dua, Banjarbaru City. However, these efforts have not been able to prevent the flames from spreading. This is due to the strong wind conditions at the location.

"Then the BNPB helicopter is already working. Hopefully the weather will help us. For now, there is no water source close to the land," said Rahmat, Friday, August 18.

So far, the flames have scorched 5 hectares of peatlands in that location. Not only that, the thickness of the smog has disrupted the flow of traffic due to limited visibility. Smog fog has also made a number of motorcyclists hot.

"It's been about 5 hectares that are burned and may be more widespread. Obviously, the roads are also crowded with traffic," he added.

Reportedly, forest and land fires that hit Banjarbaru City have occurred since last Monday. Until now, new hotspots have continued to emerge due to dry weather conditions and hot heat.

The forest and land fires have resulted in the emergence of smog fog that interferes with traffic flow and local community activities. This is because in addition to causing pain and limited visibility, the smog also makes the air quality worse.