UGM Team: Hydrogen from Chicken Waste Likely Ignited Sleman Fires

A research team from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) has concluded that dozens of fires in a Seyegan, Sleman residence likely originated from hydrogen gas associated with chicken processing waste. The team's investigation, spanning over two weeks, found no strong evidence to support natural phenomena as the cause.

Prof. Alva Edy Tontowi, the team leader, stated that hydrogen gas was detected at several fire sites. He believes this gas is linked to pyrophoric gases from nearby chicken waste. "As per our initial assumption, the team detected hydrogen gas at the fire sites, which is suspected to be associated with pyrophoric gases from chicken waste," Alva said on Monday, June 15, 2026.

To test this hypothesis, the team conducted field and laboratory examinations, including electromagnetic field measurements, subsurface mapping with georadar and geolistrik, and analysis of gas content and fire residue. Subsequent tests revealed polyvinyl chloride (PVC) in the fire residue on ceramic, wood, and plywood. When burned, PVC produces hydrogen chloride gas, which detection equipment registered as hydrogen. This finding explains the continued detection of hydrogen gas at the site post-incident.

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As per our initial assumption, the team detected hydrogen gas at the fire sites, which is suspected to be associated with pyrophoric gases from chicken waste.

The researchers found no evidence of geological activity, natural gas leaks, thermal anomalies, or electromagnetic field disturbances that could explain the fires occurring naturally. Drone and infrared sensor monitoring within a 200-meter radius also showed no unusual heat sources. Team member Sarju Winardi confirmed that all electrical and magnetic field measurements were within normal limits. Cracks in the ground, initially suspected as gas pathways, also did not contain natural gas.

"The team did not find sufficient strong evidence that the fire occurred naturally and could ignite due to an electromagnetic igniter or spontaneous ignition," Sarju stated. Based on the comprehensive investigation, the team concluded that the initial fires were likely triggered by hydrogen gas linked to chicken processing waste. The residual gas detected later was attributed to burning materials at the site. The findings have been submitted to BPBD Sleman for further action, marking the end of the academic investigation into the mysterious fires in Seyegan.

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The team did not find sufficient strong evidence that the fire occurred naturally and could ignite due to an electromagnetic igniter or spontaneous ignition.