Anticipation of New Hot Spots Called for

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DUMAI, KOMPAS - Although the peatland fires in Riau province have begun to diminish, the firefighters still need to anticipate the emergence of new fires. An emergency measure should also be prepared.

The number of hot spots on peatland in Riau province has declined. However, firefighters should remain vigilant to anticipate the emergence of new hot spots, both in the area hit by the fires and in other locations.

The number of personnel and equipment should be maintained. The sky over Dumai city and Rupat Island, Bengkalis regency was clearing on Wednesday, from two days ago when thick smog covered the areas. Schools have also been reopened.

On Rupat, firefighters were still at the site of the burned-out land. They hosed down the peatland, which was still emitting smoke. The fire personnel also made canals using heavy equipment to limit the movement of the fire. So far, a 6 kilometer long canal has been opened.

At night, the firefighters keep on patrolling to make sure there are no new hot spots. "Last week, the fires were very severe. The fires have diminished. With the addition of personnel and equipment, the handling of the fires has become more effective," said Riau’s deputy governor, Edy Natar Nasution, during a visit to the fire locations in Rupat on Wednesday.

From January to Feb. 26, 2019, the area hit by fires in Riau reached 1,136 hectares. The most severe fires occurred in Bengkalis, affecting about 817 hectares of land . Peatland fires also occurred in Dumai, Pelalawan, Rokan Hilir, Siak and Meranti. " Further anticipation is needed. If a fire emerges again, a helicopter with a water bomb will be operated to extinguish the fires. Tomorrow, a helicopter from the National Disaster Mitigation Agency [BNPB] will arrive here," Edy said.

The commander of the Manggala Agni Fire Brigade and the Fire Agency in Dumai, Jusman said, even though the hot spots had diminished, it did not mean that the fire had been completely extinguished.

There is a possibility of the emergence of new hot spots because the dry peatland in the area burns easily when there is a slight spark.

The monitoring of the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) in Pekanbaru on Wednesday showed 10 hot spots, declining sharply from 32 hot spots on Tuesday. "The hot spots should be closely watched so that new fires do not appear again," Jusman said.

The chief of the Riau Police, Insp. Gen. Widodo Eko Prihastopo, said the investigation into the cause of the fires was continuing . So far six people have been named suspects. "I\'ll tell you later whether the fires were intentionally started. The most important thing is that all parties are actively involved in putting out the fires," he said.

Emergency Center

In Pekanbaru, Riau Governor Syamsuar has asked mayors and regents in the province whose areas are prone to fires to open an emergency center so that firefighters can be immediately deployed if there are new fires.

"The center’s personnel must be on standby 24 hours a day. When there is a report of a fire, all fire personnel should immediately go to the fire locations. If there are people who need help, they should be helped immediately. If needed, the district heads can also report the fires directly to the governor to speed up coordination on the field," Syamsuar said at a coordination meeting of the task force on land and forest fire mitigation at Roesmin Nurjadin Air Force Base on Wednesday.

The meeting was also attended by Edy Natar Nasution, Widodo Eko Prihastopo, and the commander of the Roesmin Nurjadin Air Force Base, First Marshal Ronny Irianto Moningka. Syamsuar, who has only served as governor for a week, invited all parties in Riau to work together to overcome the problems of land and forest fires in the provinces. The fire problem is complex, therefore all parties should be involved in overcoming it.

Coordination should begin at the Peat Restoration Agency by providing data on fire-prone areas. From the data, monitoring can be immediately be carried out through a peat drought detection device and air humidity. If there is a fire, the team from the military, the police and the regional disaster mitigation agency (BPBD), Manggala Agni, and the community should work together to immediately put out the fire.

Previously, the head of Riau’s BPBD, Edwar Sanger said, the BNPB had approved the delivery of several helicopters to help firefighting in Riau. The helicopters are expected to come from within the country so that licensing procedures will be easier. (AIN/ SAH)

Editor:

PEATLAND FIRES hot spots