New Karhutla Hotspots Appear, Riau BPBD Deploys Fire Helicopters

PeKANBARU - The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Riau Province deployed helicopters to deal with forest and land fires that occurred in Kubu District, Rokan Hilir Regency, and Rupat Island, Bengkalis Regency.

"We have deployed one water bombing helicopter (water bombing) there to extinguish the fire. That's another new point," said Riau BPBD Chief Executive M Edy Afrizal as quoted by ANTARA, Monday, May 29.

Previous forest and land fires also occurred in the Penipahan area, Pasir Limau District, Kapas, Rokan Hilir Regency.

Apart from Rokan Hilir, Edy said, forest and land fires occurred on Rupat Island, Bengkalis Regency.

"The fire in Rupat has been extinguished, but some time later it reappeared. However, we have deployed water bombing helicopters there so that the fire does not spread," he said.

The fire that occurred in the Pelintung Village area, Medang Kampai District, Dumai City, has been successfully handled.

"Hopefully there won't be another fire. There is still smoke in Penipahan, Rohil, and it is still in the cooling process," he said.