The rapid response team of Lumajang regional disaster management agency (BPBD) is handling a forest and land fire (karhutla) in Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park (TNBTS), specifically in the B29 peak tourism zone in Argosari Village, Lumajang Regency, East Java. The team moved to the location on Saturday (8/8) to coordinate and assist in controlling the fire in the Bukit Sentigi Renteng and Ledok Bedor areas, according to Isnugroho, head of operations at Lumajang Regency's BPBD.
Isnugroho said the rapid response team had been monitoring since Thursday (6/8) in anticipation of the fire spreading to Lumajang Regency. The team arrived at Ledok Bedor to extinguish the fire and monitor conditions on Saturday (8/8), then returned to the BPBD office around 16.00 WIB as night fell.
Field operations involved TNBTS Ranupane Resort, Lumajang Regency BPBD, Argosari Military Support Officer, Senduro Police Station, and Fire-Conscious Community groups from Ranupane and Argosari villages. The combined team conducted manual firefighting by creating firebreaks and using wet branches, while cutting trees around alternative routes to prevent the fire from spreading.
Ground operations were bolstered by water bombing support. Two helicopters conducted water bombing on Friday (7/8), drawing water from Ranu Regulo, and similar efforts were carried out again on Saturday (8/8). Based on Lumajang BPBD's assessment, the cause of the fire is still under investigation, while the extent of the burned area is still being assessed and calculated by TNBTS.
Isnugroho stated that the government continues to coordinate with relevant agencies to ensure the response is integrated and that the situation can be monitored continuously while prioritising the safety of residents and personnel.
