TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Subdirectorate of Wildfire Mitigation (PBK) of Batam Indonesia Free Zone Authority (BIFZA) recorded at least 20 hectares of tourism forest in Nongsa caught on fire due to both hot weather and irresponsible conducts.
“There were lots of fire in Nongsa in the last few days. Some are less than a hectare but there are also area sized more than five hectares,” said an officer of PBK BP Batam, Damar Nugroho, in Batam on Saturday, as quoted by Antara News.
It is believed that most fire started accidentally from smoldering cigarette butts thrown away by drivers who passed by bushes.
“We urge road users or residents not to throw their cigarette butts inappropriately, as well as not to burn trashes in forest area. Because it will cause big wildfire during dry and windy weather,” Damar added.
On the other hand, Head of Batam Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), Philip Mustamu said that hot weather is predicted to last until mid of March. There is only little chance and local rain.
ANTARA | ELLA S | INDRAS WULANDARI