Bromo wildfire spreads to 899 hectares as water drops lag
Tourist access to Bromo remains closed while strong winds and distant water sources slow efforts to control the fire.
The forest and land fire in the Mount Bromo area of Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park had spread to 899 hectares as of Tuesday (12/8). East Java BPBD said water bombing operations were concentrated in Dingklik, Pasuruan, and P30 in Probolinggo, but were not yet effective because water sources are far away, winds are strong, weather changes quickly, the terrain is steep, and there is abundant dry grass and leaf litter. Earlier, the fire was reported to be nearing residential areas, and the burned area increased from 550 hectares to 742 hectares in one day. TNBTS has temporarily closed all tourist access to Mount Bromo since Saturday (8/8) night. BNPB, BPBD from several regions, TNI, Polri, volunteers, and three helicopters have been deployed to contain the blaze, which started on Aug. 3.