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| South Singkawang Wildfires Spread, Joint Task Force Fights Day and Night to Extinguish Flames Near Airport. |
Efforts to extinguish forest and land fires in South Singkawang continue to intensify. The blaze affecting the Airport Road area of Singkawang City, West Kalimantan, has burned approximately five hectares of land and still leaves several active hotspots that could spread further.
A joint task force from multiple agencies has been on the ground for several days. Firefighting efforts are focused on two main locations: Sedau Village and Pangmilang Village. Field assessments show that about two hectares have burned in Sedau, while the remaining three hectares are in Pangmilang.
The Head of Operations for Manggala Agni Kalimantan IX/Singkawang, Yuyu Wahyudin, said the team continues to battle the fire to ensure it is fully brought under control.
“We are continuing suppression efforts so the wildfire along Singkawang’s Airport Road can be handled quickly and prevented from spreading,” Yuyu said when met in Singkawang on Tuesday.
🔥 Peatland Conditions and Strong Winds Pose Major Challenges
This wildfire has not been easy to contain. Yuyu explained that from Sunday (2/1) through Tuesday, the fire had not been completely extinguished. Peatland conditions dominated by ferns, acacia, oil palm, and dense shrubs allow the fire to spread rapidly.
Adding to the challenge, winds of around 11 kilometers per hour have worsened the situation. Flames and thick smoke spread quickly, forcing crews to work even harder on the ground.
“Peatlands are highly vulnerable. Fires can reignite if they are not fully extinguished. That’s why we will continue suppression efforts until everything is completely out,” he emphasized.
🚒 Only Half of the Burned Area Has Been Extinguished
So far, the joint team has managed to extinguish about 2.5 hectares, while the remaining area is still under active response. In several spots, flames are still visible with heavy smoke, prompting crews to carry out intensive water saturation and firebreak measures to prevent further spread.
👥 71 Personnel Deployed, Full Equipment on Standby
Ground firefighting operations involve 71 personnel from multiple agencies, including:
Manggala Agni Kalimantan IX/Singkawang
South Singkawang Military District (Koramil)
South Singkawang Subdistrict authorities
Singkawang Brimob Company
Singkawang Police and South Singkawang Police Sector
Singkawang City Disaster Management Agency (BPBD)
Fire Care Community (MPA)
A range of equipment has been deployed, including water pumps, suction and delivery hoses, operational vehicles, and manual firefighting tools. Water supply is sourced from nearby drainage canals measuring about one meter wide and one meter deep.
⚠️ Residents Urged to Remain Alert
Yuyu stressed that suppression efforts will continue until all hotspots are declared safe. This is crucial to prevent flare-ups, as peatland areas are highly prone to reignition even after flames appear to be out.
For nearby residents, continued vigilance is essential. Collective support and awareness are key to preventing future wildfires and protecting the environment.
🔥 Wildfires are not just about flames—they are about the future of our environment. Let’s work together to protect Singkawang’s natural landscape.