Fire razes wider areas in Mount Lawu

Local administration in Karanganyar, Central Java, is warning local citizens near Mount Lawu about spreading forest fires on the volcano’s northern slopes.

Karanganyar Regent Rina Iriani told Antara news agency that the fire that broke out on Sunday on the slope in Girimulyo area in Ngawi, East Java, has now spread to the regency, burning bushes in the area.

The authority has sent a total of 42 personnel to several sites to prevent further spread of the fire.

Forest fire incidents had been frequently occurring in the area after the administration forbade local people making wood charcoal in the mountain area.

With a well-maintained track, the less active volcano is a popular hiking destination.

The administration, however,  assured that the fire occurred far from the hiking track.