Santa Cruz Declares Orange Alert Amidst 14 Active Forest Fires

The Santa Cruz Governorate has elevated its alert status to Orange for Forest Fires, responding to a critical surge in active blazes and heat foci across the region. The declaration comes as the department grapples with 14 active fires and a total of 449 heat foci recorded on Friday alone, contributing to over 22,319 hectares of land already impacted.

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Communication and coordination that are well-established are an important part of strengthening cooperation between the TNI and the regional government, especially in supporting development and maintaining regional stability.

This heightened alert aims to bolster the departmental mechanisms for preparedness, coordination, and emergency response. The Governorate has implemented a restriction on permits for burning activities and is intensifying prevention and control efforts in prioritized zones. These actions are deemed crucial given the current climate, which includes forecasts of elevated temperatures, water deficits, and strong winds that could rapidly accelerate fire propagation.

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The synergy built is part of a joint effort to make a real contribution to the progress of the region and improve the welfare of the community in Kepulauan Sangihe Regency.

Officials have highlighted the department's vulnerability, noting a sustained increase in heat foci and environmental conditions conducive to fire spread. The measure also involves the continuous activation of the Departmental Situation Room and closer collaboration with Municipal Emergency Operations Committees (COEM) in the most exposed provinces. The Center for Integrated Fire Monitoring will maintain daily surveillance of heat foci and weather patterns to anticipate potential risks.

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This visit is expected to further strengthen institutional relations and open up better coordination spaces in supporting the implementation of various government programs in Kepulauan Sangihe Regency.

In addition to control measures, the Governorate plans to ramp up communication and prevention campaigns in urban-rural interface areas. The declaration serves as a proactive and operational step to enhance inter-institutional coordination and ensure timely activation of response capabilities to mitigate the impact of the ongoing fire crisis.

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We hope that the TNI, through the ranks of Kodam XIII/Merdeka and Kodim 1301/Sangihe, will continue to be committed to supporting the regional government and helping to create a safe and conducive regional condition.