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| MDMC Kubu Raya Rapid Response Team Battles Forest Fire in Kuala Dua as Flames Approach Residential Area. |
KUBU RAYA – Another forest and land fire (karhutla) has struck West Kalimantan, this time in Kuala Dua Village, Sungai Raya District, Kubu Raya Regency, on Friday (June 13). Strong winds have caused the flames to spread rapidly, now posing a serious threat to nearby residential areas.
In response, a joint team from the Muhammadiyah Disaster Management Center (MDMC) Kubu Raya, the Kubu Raya Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), the Kubu Raya Branch of Muhammadiyah Youth (PDPM), and local volunteers swiftly mobilized to the scene to contain the fire.
The emergency response team from MDMC Kubu Raya was led by Fazzar Mua’rif. Also on the ground were BPBD Kubu Raya Head, Drs. Herry Purwoko, M.Si, and PDPM Kubu Raya’s Unggul Ali Sadewo.
“The wind has been strong since earlier today, causing the fire to spread quickly. Our current priority is to stop the flames from reaching residential zones,” said Fazzar on site.
Challenging Terrain and Thick Smoke Hinder Efforts
Conditions on the ground are tough. The area is covered with dry ferns, which are highly flammable. Thick smoke from the burning land further complicates efforts by limiting visibility, making it difficult for teams to locate fire hotspots.
Cause of Fire and On-Site Challenges
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| MDMC Kubu Raya Rapid Response Team Battles Forest Fire in Kuala Dua as Flames Approach Residential Area. |
Preliminary assessments by BPBD Kubu Raya suggest a combination of natural factors and potential human negligence as the cause. The dried-out peatland during this dry season is extremely fire-prone. Strong winds have only worsened the situation by accelerating the fire’s spread.
“We’re still investigating the exact cause, but early indications point to land burning activities or negligence such as discarded cigarette butts. We’re also facing challenges with limited water supply and firefighting equipment,” explained Herry Purwoko.
Warnings and Safety Reminders for Residents
Although no casualties have been reported, authorities are urging residents to remain alert. BPBD has advised people to be ready for evacuation if the fire continues to approach. Locals are also strongly discouraged from burning land given the extremely dry weather.
“We encourage residents to wear masks when outside to avoid health issues caused by the smoke. Any sign of fire, no matter how small, should be reported immediately so we can act quickly,” Herry added.
As of now, joint teams are continuing their efforts to extinguish the fire and prevent it from spreading to neighboring villages. Community members are also urged to help protect their environment and report any suspicious activities that could lead to wildfires.
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