Palembang (ANTARA) - The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of South Sumatra Province deployed three helicopters to extinguish forest and land fires in Ogan Komering Ilir (OKI) District.

Head of Emergency Response at BPBD South Sumatra, Sudirman, said in Palembang on Sunday that the fires were detected during aerial patrols, which reported fire spots and thick smoke.

“Three helicopters were deployed for firefighting operations in Pangkalan Lampam, OKI. A total of 95 water bombings were carried out on fire hotspots that continued to spread to other areas,” he said.

He explained that through the 95 water bombings, around 380,000 liters of water taken from surrounding areas were dropped on the burning land.

The burned area in Pangkalan Lampam reached about three hectares, with the potential to expand due to dry vegetation.

Meanwhile, aerial patrols also detected several other fires across South Sumatra.

In addition to OKI, burned land was found in plantation areas in Madang Suku I Sub-district, East Ogan Komering Ulu (OKU) District, covering an estimated two hectares, and in Lubai Sub-district, Muara Enim District, covering around one hectare.

“Aerial patrols identified three wildfire locations in South Sumatra, with a total of six hectares of land burned,” he added.

Related news: Indonesia races to contain fires, whirlwind in North Sumatra

Related news: Government turns to FDRS for early forest fire detection

Related news: BNPB adopts efficiency strategy against forest, land fires

Translator: Primayanti
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2025