Land fire erupts near Kamijoro Dam in Indonesia's Yogyakarta

A land fire erupted in the Ngentakrejo area of Kulon Progo, Yogyakarta, Indonesia, on Monday afternoon, with flames appearing near the Kamijoro Dam in the vicinity of the Progo River. The incident was reported via social media, with local accounts sharing information about the blaze.

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20km from my house and for a while now, it's been unusually smoky. I wonder what this smoke is, but is it possible to smell it from 20km away?

Residents in areas up to 20 kilometers away reported smelling smoke, indicating the fire's significant scale. One social media user noted the unusual strength and persistence of the smoky odor, which they had not experienced before in their locality.

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Was this intentional or because of the weather? The wind, what is it that it carries hot temperatures, making trees or houses easily catch fire. How could the timing be so coincidental?

Discussions among netizens have raised questions about the fire's origin, with some considering the possibility of weather-related causes, particularly given the dry conditions and wind. The local police have previously highlighted the risk of land and forest fires during the dry season in Kulon Progo. The Vice Regent of Kulon Progo, Ambar Purwoko, has emphasized the need for preparedness among all parties due to the prevailing climate conditions.

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With conditions like this, we need to show readiness in anticipating land and forest fires.

Kulon Progo Police Chief AKBP Ridho Hidayat mentioned the potential impacts of El Niño, which could extend until 2027, increasing the risk of various adverse events, including fires. As of the latest report, the specific cause of the Ngentakrejo fire remains undetermined. Official information has not yet confirmed whether the blaze was triggered by weather patterns, human negligence, or other factors.

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We are facing El Niño, which is likely to continue until 2027 and will cause many things. Hopefully, it won't be prolonged.