Malang, E Java (ANTARA) – Firefighter team on Tuesday continued battling a wildfire in Indonesia’s Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, where flames spread to a new area, forcing authorities to close three access routes to the popular Mount Bromo tourist destination.
Bambang Suriyono, administration chief of the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park Agency, said the fire that began in the Bantengan Block had spread into the Watu Gede area.
“The fire has reached Watu Gede and has not yet been extinguished,” Bambang said.​​​​​​​
Firefighting efforts involve registered Mount Semeru hiking guides, residents from Ngadas Village in Malang District and Ranu Pani Village in Lumajang District, as well as Indonesian military personnel.
The national park agency said the wildfire broke out in the Bantengan Block at about 5 p.m. local time on Monday (August 3).​​​​​​​
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Bambang explained the firefighters team faced difficult conditions on Tuesday, with steep cliffs and strong winds hampering efforts to contain the blaze. He said all suppression efforts were being carried out with the safety of emergency personnel as the top priority.
Equipment support has been provided by the disaster mitigation agencies of Probolinggo and Malang regencies, he said.
Authorities have not determined the cause of the wildfire, which remains under investigation.
“The cause is still being investigated,” Bambang said.
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He urged the public to continue supporting emergency crews so the wildfire could be brought under control as quickly as possible.
The wildfire prompted the national park agency to close three tourist access routes to Mount Bromo from Jemplang and Coban Trisula in Malang District, and Senduro in Lumajang District.
The closures took effect at 10 p.m. local time on Tuesday and will remain in place until further notice.
Visitors can still reach the Mount Bromo area through the Cemoro Lawang route in Probolinggo District and the Wonokitri route in Pasuruan District.
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Translator: Ananto P, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Fransiska Ninditya
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