TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - On Monday evening, October 16, 2023, joint apparatus took measures to extinguish the wildfires in Natuna, Riau Islands. The head of the Emergency and Logistics Department of the Natuna Disaster Management Agency Zulheppy mentioned through a phone call that the wildfire started at 08:45 p.m. local time at an empty land in East Bunguran District.

"Around eleven [in the evening], the fire was successfully extinguished," Zulheppy said.

The distance between the fire and the residential building was 10 to 15 meters. There were no reported casualties during the fire. "The forest and land caught in the fire is estimated to be four to five hectares," Zulheppy added.

The cause of this fire is suspected to be land clearing. The joint apparatus responsible for extinguishing the fire consisted of the Natuan Fire Department, the Natuna Disaster Management Agency, the National Police and National Armed Forces, and the locals. "We were supported by relevant stakeholders," Zulheppy said,

The team faced a bit of a challenge since the fire location could not be accessed by the fire trucks. Additionally, the tools to extinguish the fire were not adequate. "It was difficult to reach the location of the fire," Zulheppy added.

Zulheppy urged the residents to avoid doing land clearing by burning it. "We hope the residents will take the recommendation to hear," Zulheppy said. Zulheppy also expressed gratitude to the joint team for their cooperation.

ANTARA

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