Fire destroys at least 60 hectares at Indonesia's Mount Bromo park

A significant fire has been raging through Indonesia's Mount Bromo national park in East Java since Monday, destroying at least 60 hectares (148 acres) of land. The popular tourist destination, known for its active volcanoes, is currently battling the blaze.

Indonesia's disaster mitigation agency confirmed the extent of the damage and the ongoing efforts to control the fire. Authorities have dispatched a fire truck, a water tank, and a drone to spray water and identify hotspots within the affected area. However, the challenging topography of the active volcano presents difficulties for the ground crews.

Compounding the problem, strong winds are exacerbating the situation, increasing the risk of the fire spreading further across the park. The steep terrain makes it particularly hard for firefighters to reach and extinguish the flames effectively. The specific cause of the fire has not yet been determined, and officials have not reported any casualties.

Footage from the scene shows extensive damage, with charred land, discolored foliage, and significant harm to trees. In response to the ongoing fire, authorities have closed sections of the Mount Bromo national park to tourists since Monday to ensure safety and facilitate firefighting operations.