Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reported that efforts to extinguish a fire that has consumed at least 10 hectares of mineral land in Tongging Village, Karo Regency, North Sumatra, continued as of Saturday (31/8/2024).

BNPB's Head of Data, Information, and Disaster Communication, Abdul Muhari, said that a joint team, including personnel from the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) in Karo, Manggala Agni the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, the Indonesian Military (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (INP), and local fire prevention groups, has been working since Thursday evening to contain the fire.

The firefighting team, equipped with water tanks carried on their shoulders, has facing challenges due to the fire's location in hilly terrain with limited water supply and dry vegetation.

Despite these obstacles, the fire has been largely contained with no casualties or disruptions to local activities. The cause of the fire is under investigation, and legal action will be taken if intentional burning is confirmed.

BNPB urges residents, particularly in Karo regency, to avoid burning waste or engaging in activities that could trigger fires during the dry season.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)