Tanjab Timur, Jambi (ANTARA) – Firefighters and disaster-resilient village volunteers in Jambi are using firebreaks to contain a peatland blaze and prevent it from spreading, local officials said on Wednesday.
“The fire has been brought under control. Village volunteers, subdistrict firefighters, and nearby companies contained it, and only cooling operations remain,” Rawasari Village Chief Abdul Rokib said.
Firebreaks are being used to prevent the flames from spreading as water supplies remain limited and the burning peat extends up to three meters deep.
Without containment, the fire could spread rapidly and become harder to control, Rokib noted.
Workers are digging trenches using two heavy machines provided by companies holding concessions around the affected area, he said.
“We remain focused on ground firefighting using available water, with everyone involved,” Rokib added.
Berbak Subdistrict Chief Nopi Ardiansyah said initial reports came from the village chief, Manggala Agni firefighters, and disaster-resilient village volunteers on August 25 at approximately 3:30 p.m. local time.
The burned area consists of residents’ oil palm plantations and undeveloped scrubland, he said.
“Firefighting was suspended around 9 p.m. because conditions made operations impossible. Before stopping, crews used excavators to create firebreaks and halt the spread,” Ardiansyah said.
Since the first day, joint teams from the military, village volunteers, subdistrict firefighters, Manggala Agni, the regional disaster agency, plantation companies, and residents have participated in firefighting efforts.
Despite the large number of personnel, crews face difficulties because water sources are located far from the fire, complicating cooling efforts.
Strong winds are also generating thick smoke and could trigger new hotspots, Ardiansyah said.
“Residents have been very responsive in helping fight the fire. Companies and the disaster agency are sending additional personnel, who are now heading here,” Ardiansyah said.
Deputy Head of Tanjung Jabung Timur District Muslimin Tanja previously stated the district recorded 135 hotspots from January through August, including 53 in August alone.
The dry season has burned 108 hectares of land, all within peatland areas, he said.
“Of Tanjung Jabung Timur’s 514,000 hectares of land, 56 percent is peatland, making it highly vulnerable,” Tanja said, citing the forestry minister’s August 24 visit as a sign of government attention.
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Translator: Agus S, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Arie Novarina
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