2 Water Bombing Helicopters, Weather Modification Scheme Deployed to Extinguish Jatiwaringin Landfill Fire

Authorities are intensifying efforts to extinguish a significant fire at the Jatiwaringin landfill in Tangerang, Indonesia, deploying specialized aerial resources and advanced weather technology. The blaze, which ignited on Tuesday, has rapidly spread across an estimated 15 hectares, prompting an emergency response.

Two MI-8AMT helicopters, capable of carrying up to 4,000 liters of water each, have been repositioned from Jambi province to the affected site. These aircraft will focus on dropping water directly onto the burning waste piles. Additionally, a specialized aircraft will be used in conjunction with the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) to implement a cloud seeding operation, aiming to induce rainfall to aid in extinguishing the fire.

Brigadier General TNI Djohan Darmawan, Director of Coordination for Operations Control at the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), stated that water would be drawn from a nearby small lake to ensure rapid deployment. Firefighting efforts on the ground involve personnel from the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), and the National Police (Polri). However, direct access to the core of the fire is deemed too dangerous for ground crews due to the unstable and hazardous nature of the accumulated waste.

The escalating situation has led the Tangerang regional government to declare a 'tanggap darurat' (emergency response) status. This elevation aims to optimize handling efforts and ensure the safety of the approximately dozens of residents affected by the smoke. Local officials, including health center staff and sub-district heads, are actively monitoring the situation and providing necessary support.