Inp.polri.go.id - Sungai Raya. The Kubu Raya Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) in West Kalimantan has declared a state of emergency for the ongoing forest and land fires in the region. 

The decision was made following decreased rainfall and the recent escalation of fires, as noted by the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) up to Sunday (28/7/2024).

Herry Purwoko, the Head of BPBD Kubu Raya, announced that the status shifted from alert to emergency on 25 July 2024, with the declaration set to last until 7 August 2024. 

The status upgrade aims to accelerate firefighting efforts and mitigate the health impacts and disruptions caused by smoke, he said.

The response involved a combined effort from firefighters, military personnel, police, and local communities working late into the night. 

Herry urged the public to avoid intentionally burning land and to spread awareness to prevent worsening the situation amid reduced rainfall and high fire risk.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)