TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - As of Monday, September 30, forest fire has ravaged 93 hectares of Mount Semeru’s forest area and savanna, Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park Management (TNBTS) head of evaluation and report Arifin reported.

"Until yesterday (Sunday), there was still one point of the forest fire," said Arifin on Monday, September 30.

Thin haze was still observed in Ayek-ayek. The hotspot was detected in the cliff, 5.5 kilometers away from Ranupani Post. Steep terrain made it difficult for officers to extinguish the fire.

The TNBTS officers with the help of volunteers, Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD), military personnel, the police, and locals formed coordination for further wildfire handling.

Several hotspots were successfully put out, namely in Mount Kepolo, Arcopodo, Kelik, Watupecah, Waturejeng, Ayek-ayek, Pusung Gendero, Ranu Kumbolo, Pangonan Cilik, Oro-oro Ombo, and Watu Tulis.

A total of 359 personnel were dispatched to extinguish put out the fires in Mount Semeru, East Java. "The focus is on mop-up activities that are to handle the fire spark and haze to make sure no more fire,” Arifin explained.

The principle of fire suppression and control, he went on, see the personnel security and safety as a top priority. The fire fighting is carried out at accessible areas first while paying attention to the fire direction and speed, as well as creating burns to prevent the fire from ravaging more areas.

EKO WIDIANTO