Hotspots Increase, BMKG Urges East Kalimantan People To Beware Of Forest And Land Fires

The finding of hotspots has been reported to have increased in East Kalimantan in recent days. Therefore, the Balikpapan Station Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) warned residents to be more alert to forest and land fires (karhutla).

Based on the monitoring of the BMKG Class I Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman (SAMS) Sepinggan Balikpapan Station, the number of hot spots scattered in East Kalimantan is quite high, as during last Saturday, 57 points were observed, up from the previous day which was only eight points.

"This vigilance includes not burning when managing land or clearing land, not throwing cigarette butts on dry land, and a number of other vigilance," said the Coordinator for Data and Information at the Class I SAMS Sepinggan BMKG Balikpapan Station, Diyan Novrida in Balikpapan, as reported by ANTARA, Sunday, September 1.

Vigilance needs to be done because a number of areas are still experiencing hot weather in a few consecutive days, causing branches, branches, dried leaves, and heating surface temperatures that are prone to fires.

Meanwhile, the 57 hotspots monitored on Saturday (31/8) starting at 01.00-24.00 WITA are spread across six districts, namely Mahakam Ulu 32 points, Berau 11 points, Kutai Kartanegara (7), East Kutai (1), West Kutai (4), and Paser Regency monitored 2 hotspots.

The results of hotspot monitoring were immediately conveyed to related parties such as the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), Manggala Agni, Fire Care Community, Fire Rescue and Extinguishing Service at the provincial and district/city levels for further action.

In Mahakam Ulu, 32 points were observed spread over three sub-districts, namely Long Apari District, 14 points were detected, 1 point Long Bagun, and Long Pahangai District, 17 hotspots with moderate and high confidence levels were detected.

In Berau Regency, 11 points are spread across three sub-districts, namely Kelay District with three points, Sambaliung District with two points, and Sedah District with six points, all of which have a middle level of trust.

"In Kutai Kartanegara Regency, there are seven points, spread over four sub-districts, namely Muara Kaman District one, Bangun City one, Muara Muntai three, and Muara Wis four with a middle level of trust," said Diyan.*