The forest and land fire (karhutla) that hit the Mount Ringgit area in Sapikerep Village, Probolinggo Regency, East Java, has now been successfully controlled after scorching an area of 4.5 hectares. Although the main blaze has been extinguished, the local Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) along with a joint team remain on standby at the location to anticipate potential subsequent fires.
The Chief Executive of Probolinggo Regency BPBD, Oemar Sjarief, revealed that based on visual monitoring on Monday morning, conditions on the ground showed no more smoke plumes or new hotspots. Nevertheless, Quick Response Team (TRC) personnel along with relevant agencies are still deployed to monitor the situation periodically.
This intensive monitoring process is centered from Dusun II Kedampul, Sapikerep Village. The preparedness involves collaboration of various elements, ranging from East Java Provincial BPBD, TNI, Polri, the local village government, to the fire-aware community. This synergy is carried out to ensure hidden embers are completely extinguished.
Oemar added that the vegetation on the mountain slopes, which is dominated by shrubs, dry grass, and trees, is highly vulnerable to catching fire due to the hot weather during the dry season. Therefore, strong wind gusts and remaining embers in the ground remain the main threats that officers on the ground are wary of.
