West Aceh Wildfires Extinguished, 34.1 Hectares Affected

Wildfires that raged for two weeks across five sub-districts in West Aceh, Indonesia, have been completely extinguished, the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) confirmed. A total of 34.1 hectares of land burned before the fires were declared 100% out.

"Alhamdulillah, currently all fire locations in West Aceh are 100% extinguished," said Teuku Ronal, acting head of the BPBD for West Aceh. He stated that joint team efforts successfully put out all hotspots, with intensive operations ensuring full control.

The affected areas included 15 hectares in Berawang Village and 10 hectares in Kuta Padang Layung Village in Bubon Sub-district. Samatiga Sub-district saw four hectares burn in Cot Seumeureung Village. In Johan Pahlawan Sub-district, one hectare in Lapang Village and 0.5 hectares in Seunebok Village were affected. Meureubo Sub-district experienced fires in Ujong Tanoh Darat Village, with two separate incidents burning 1.6 hectares and one hectare respectively. Additionally, one hectare in Gunong Pulo Village, Arongan Lambalek Sub-district, was also extinguished.

Bubon and Samatiga sub-districts were the primary focus due to their larger affected areas. Despite the successful containment, the BPBD issued a public appeal for continued vigilance. Residents are urged to remain alert to the potential for wildfires, particularly during dry and windy conditions. They are also reminded not to clear land by burning, as this can easily spark new fires and expand existing ones.

"We hope the community will help protect the environment and report any signs of fire immediately so that handling can be done more quickly," Ronal added.