Jatiwaringin Landfill Fire Continues for Third Day, Causing Widespread Smoke

The fire at the Jatiwaringin landfill in Tangerang, Indonesia, has raged for three days, with significant portions still burning as of Thursday morning. Thick plumes of smoke continue to rise from the site, blanketing the surrounding areas and causing considerable distress to local residents.

On Thursday, the smoke was observed moving northward with the wind, originating from numerous hotspots within the blackened mounds of trash. Activities at the landfill have nearly ceased, with waste transport vehicles absent and heavy machinery parked in unaffected zones. Firefighting operations were temporarily suspended on Thursday morning, allowing crews to rest before resuming their efforts.

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The smoke stings, and my chest feels tight. When the smoke reaches here, the stinging is unbearable.

Concerns over air quality have led to the deployment of an air quality monitoring unit by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry. The direction and intensity of the smoke are heavily influenced by wind conditions, impacting at least three sub-districts: Mauk, Rajeg, and Sukadiri.

Residents of Desa Tanjakan Mekar, located west of the landfill, have been particularly affected. Sarnata, a resident, reported that many villagers have been seeking refuge at the village office since Wednesday night due to the pungent smoke. "The smoke stings, and my chest feels tight. When the smoke reaches here, the stinging is unbearable," she said. Some residents, including Sarnata's toddler grandchild, have experienced health issues such as coughing and shortness of breath, with the child requiring hospitalization for respiratory problems.

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My grandson, who is still a child, had to be taken to the hospital because of shortness of breath.