BMKG Calls NTT Area Status 'Very Easy To Burn', Vulnerable To Forest And Land Fires

Illustration - A forest fire in the area of Mount Ile Mandiri, Larantuka City, East Flores Regency, NTT. (ANTARA/HO-Roland Tuanaen)

The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) appealed to residents to be aware of the condition of the East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) region with a very flammable status that has the potential to cause forest and land fires (karhutla).

"The area of 22 regencies/cities in NTT has a level of ease of fire with a very easy status so it needs to be watched out for the threat of forest and land fires," said Head of the El Tari Kupang Meteorological Station Agung Sudiono Abadi as reported by ANTARA, Saturday, May 20.

He conveyed this related to the early warning of forest and land fires in the NTT region which is valid on May 20, 2023.

It is explained that 22 districts/cities throughout NTT are currently in a red zone condition or have an easy level of burning on the top layer of the ground surface which is very easy.

This means, he said, the condition of the logs or leaves that usually cover the forest floor is very dry and flammable.

Agung appealed to NTT residents to increase awareness of potential forest and land fires and take preventive measures in the form of avoiding activities that can trigger hotspots in open areas.

Residents, he said, need to avoid the act of opening or overcoming grass or leaves on agricultural land by burning.

In addition, he said, residents should not throw cigarette butts in open areas where there are piles of leaves or grass that are easily struck by fire.

In the conditions of the NTT region which has the potential to be hit by strong winds, the hotspots that appear will be able to quickly enlarge or expand so that it is more difficult to extinguish.

"Therefore, it is better for us to prevent the emergence of forest and land fires by taking the necessary preventive measures," he said.