West Java Prepares Mitigation Measures as Dry Season Increases Landfill Fire Risk

West Java Province's Environmental Agency (DLH) is bolstering its mitigation efforts to prevent fires at the Sarimukti Landfill in Bandung Barat Regency, particularly during the dry season. The concern stems from methane gas emitted by the waste piles, which can ignite when air temperatures rise.

Arief Perdana, head of the regional waste management unit for the DLH, stated that a key measure involves accelerating the process of covering waste piles with soil. This also includes reorganizing the piles to ensure methane gas disperses evenly, reducing concentrated pockets. Heavy equipment has been deployed to assist in managing the waste heaps and minimizing their height.

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The first thing is, we have already provided a budget this year for waste coverage. The piles are arranged so that the methane gas is more evenly distributed. So we are adding heavy equipment to arrange the piles, reduce the piles.

In addition to soil covering, the landfill management has prepared hydrants and a range of firefighting equipment, from large-capacity units to lighter tools, to enable rapid response in case of a fire. The DLH is also collaborating with the Bandung Barat Fire and Rescue Service to conduct simulations, training exercises, and provide fire prevention education to waste pickers and truck drivers.

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The Fire Department also helps so that the community is more careful in lighting fires at the landfill site. Counseling for waste pickers has also been carried out, assisted by the Fire Department.

Perdana explained that while the exact methane content in the Sarimukti expansion zone hasn't been precisely measured, organic waste naturally produces methane. This gas escapes more readily in hot weather, escalating fire risks. Other ignition sources, such as broken glass reflecting sunlight or human activities, can also trigger fires. He reiterated that covering the waste with soil is crucial to mitigate these risks.

The Sarimukti Landfill experienced a significant fire in August 2023 in an older, non-operational zone. That fire, also during the dry season, was suspected to have been started by a cigarette butt, with methane gas contributing to the rapid spread and difficulty in extinguishing the flames.

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But the point is, if there are waste piles, especially organic waste, it will definitely react. For example, if there is broken glass exposed to sunlight, it can be an igniter. If the conditions are dry, it can cause a fire. Therefore, the important thing is that the waste is covered with soil. Soil cover can reduce the risk of igniters.