Police Investigate Conservation Forest Fire Case In Papandayan Garut

The police are checking the area of Mount Papandayan, Garut Regency, West Java. (ANTARA/HO-Cisurupan Police)

Garut Police conducted an investigation by asking for information from a number of witnesses and private managers and government agencies to further investigate cases of forest land fires in Gunung Papandayan, Cisurupan District, Garut Regency, West Java.

"We are investigating and gathering other information," said Cisurupan Police Chief Iptu Asep Saepudin as quoted by ANTARA, Friday, October 27.

He said the flames in the forest area of the Tegal Alun Block occurred on Sunday (22/10) night, then all joint officers extinguished until now, Friday it was confirmed that the fire had been extinguished.

The police, he said, had conducted an investigation by collecting information and other evidence to find out the cause of the forest fire.

"Regarding the cause of the fire, we are still conducting an investigation by gathering information in the field," he said.

The police have asked for information from a number of visitors, the community, nature lovers, the BKSDA and natural tourism managers.

"We are asking for information and interrogation in the field," he said.

Based on the results of the provisional conclusion, there were no indications of deliberately being burned, other suspicions were due to natural factors due to being hit by drought during the dry season.

"While there are no indications of being burned on purpose, most likely due to drought in the vicinity of the location," he said.

Regarding the conditions after the forest land fire, Asep said, joint officers were still on standby to cool down or ensure that the fire had been extinguished or there were no hotspots.

People and visitors who climb to the mountain are reminded not to throw cigarette butts carelessly, lighting fires or other activities that can trigger forest fires.

"Imbauan kepada para pengunjung untuk tidak sembarang membuat puntung rokok, membahayakan a firepang atau kegiatan lain yang dapat memikar terjadinya kebakaran," katanya.