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West Sumatra on alert over possible forest fires
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Military personnel watch a helicopter drop water to extinguish a forest fire in Ogan Ilir, South Sumatra, on Sept. 17, 2015. (AP/Tatan Syuflana)
P
eople in West Sumatra should be on alert for the possibility of forest and land fires as recent lower rainfall had caused warmer than usual weather, the Meteorology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) warned on Wednesday.
BMKG Ketaping office’s observation and information section head Budi Iman Samiaji said there was potential for forest and land fires occurring in West Sumatra as temperatures could reach 34 Celsius degree during the day, with 50 percent humidity at present.
“Several areas that have suffered rampant [forest and land] fires including the eastern part of Limapuluh regency, as well as parts of Sijunjung, Sawahlunto, the central and eastern parts of South Pesisir and the eastern part of South Solok,” Budi said as quoted by Antara news agency.
Previously, West Sumatra Governor Irwan Prayitno reminded people to avoid the slash-and-burn practices to clear land as it was against the law.
Sijunjung Police chief Sr. Comr Dody Pribadi urged residents to stay on alert and anticipate any possible forest fires. “We urge people and [logging] companies together to avoid forest and land fires,” he said.
