Tangerang Landfill Fire Continues for Ninth Day Amidst Smoke and Suppression Efforts

The fire at the Jatiwaringin landfill in Tangerang, Indonesia, has persisted for nine days, with Wednesday marking the ninth day since the blaze began. Joint efforts by emergency services continue in an attempt to fully extinguish the flames.

Observations at the scene reveal thick smoke rising from the waste piles, although visible flames on the surface have subsided. Firefighters from the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), and Manggala Agni are prepared to resume operations. Firefighting vehicles and heavy equipment are on standby to address any remaining hot spots.

A BNPB water bombing helicopter arrived at the site early Wednesday morning to begin aerial suppression. Brig. Gen. TNI Djohan Darmawan, Director of Coordination for Emergency Operations Control at BNPB, stated that four water bombing helicopters would be deployed to combat areas inaccessible by ground.

Darmawan reported that 50% of the affected area was extinguished by the previous day, with approximately 70% of the site cleared. He noted the fire's characteristics, similar to peatland fires, make it difficult to combat as flames burn beneath the trash. Materials like plastic and broken glass also pose risks to personnel. Heavy machinery, including bulldozers and excavators, are being used to sift through and break apart smoldering trash piles.

The Jatiwaringin landfill fire started on Tuesday, June 30. As it enters its ninth day, combined forces are focused on cooling and extinguishing operations to ensure all embers are put out.

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We are immediately deploying helicopter support because there are several spots that cannot be extinguished from the ground. God willing, tomorrow (Wednesday) there will be 4 more up here.