The six provinces are Riau, Jambi, South Sumatra, West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan and South Kalimantan.Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) said six of Indonesian provinces are in emergency of forest and bush fires.
"BNPB, therefore, has put into operation eight water bombing helicopters," chief spokesman of the agency Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said here on Tuesday.
The six provinces are Riau, Jambi, South Sumatra, West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan and South Kalimantan.
Sutopo said it is feared the worst of dry season is yet to come, adding normally in September forest fires are more devastating.
Sumatra and Kalimantan always had the largest number of hot spots from August until October with the worst in September, he warned.
The West Kalimantan Governor has even extended the emergency period until November for that province, he added.
"The declaration of emergency status would give BNPB and its regional units easier access to potential sources in its efforts to mobilize fire fighting forces," he said.
Currently, BNPB already has in its disposal eight units of water bombing helicopters, two units of water bombing fixed wing aircraft and another two planes for artificially made rain.
"Three of the water bombing helicopters, two water bombing fixed planes and a a CASA plane for artificial rains would be placed in Riau," he said.
Riau has always been the most devastated by forest and peat land fires, which comes almost every year.
Sutopo said this year , preparations in dealing with the forest fire emergency situation is better than in previous years.
"In 2015, preparation and action came late in dealing with forest and bush fires resulting in greater difficulties in poutting out the fires," he said. (*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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