Indonesia landfill fire reduced to 3.6% of area

The fire at the Jatiwaringin landfill in Tangerang, Indonesia, is nearing full containment, with only an estimated 3.6% of the 18-hectare site still smoldering. This marks significant progress after six days of intensive firefighting efforts.

Minister of Environment Mohammad Jumhur Hidayat described the situation as "extraordinary," noting that the fire had initially consumed around 70% of the landfill. "Initially, about 70 percent of this area was burning. Then gradually, through hard work, it was extinguished, with water from below, injected from below, and continuous efforts from helicopters and firefighters," Hidayat said.

Firefighting teams are employing methods such as "injecting" water directly into the trash piles to extinguish deep-seated embers. This technique aims to reach the core of the smoldering waste. However, Hidayat cautioned that the potential for reignition remains if vigilance is not maintained due to persistent heat.

The operation involves multiple agencies, including firefighters, the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), and Manggala Agni forest fire control units. Heavy equipment and water-bombing helicopters have been deployed to control the flames that have been burning through the accumulated waste since June 30.