A joint team consisting of the police, TNI (Indonesian National Armed Forces), BPBD (Regional Disaster Management Agency), Perhutani, and local residents moved quickly to extinguish a forest and land fire (karhutla) that hit the Mount Orak-Arik area, Ngetal Village, Pogalan District, Trenggalek Regency, on Friday (10/7).
Pogalan Police Chief, AKP Henri Agus Sutrisno, explained that his side received a report of the hotspot at 12:30 WIB. Following up on the report, officers immediately rushed to the location to localize the fire so that it would not spread further, considering the dry weather conditions and the abundance of flammable weeds around the area.
In the extinguishing efforts, the field team used improvised equipment, ranging from portable fire extinguishers (APAR) to traditional methods using wet tree branches as beaters. Despite being hampered by steep hilly terrain, the team's solidarity paid off. The fire was completely brought under control at around 15:30 WIB.
Based on field data, the area affected by the fire reached approximately three hectares. Burned vegetation included ori bamboo clumps, shrubs, and several tree stands such as rosewood (sono) and albizia (alba).
Facing a dry season predicted to be longer, the police urged the public to increase vigilance. Residents are asked not to burn garbage carelessly or throw cigarette butts in forest areas. The public is also advised to immediately contact the emergency service at 110 if they spot potential fires so that handling can be carried out as quickly as possible.
