"Using manual equipment, Lumajang police and joint teams are containing and extinguishing the fire manually because of steep terrain and cliffs," Lumajang Police Chief Adjunct Senior Commissioner Riki Yariandi said here Friday.
Personnel from Lumajang police, Senduro police, the military, disaster mitigation agency, national park officials, fire-awareness groups, volunteers and residents are containing and fighting fire hotspots.
Officials are focusing on two wildfire areas, Ranu Kembang in Mount Semeru's Ayek-Ayek Block and Ledok Bedor, on the border of Argosari and Ranupani Villages.
"At Ledok Bedor, fire has been detected at three locations along the Jantur route toward B-29. Two fires are still burning, and joint teams continue efforts to extinguish them," he said.
Crews are fighting the fires manually, creating firebreaks and using tree branches to beat down flames burning vegetation.
"Rugged terrain is a major challenge. Ranu Kembang is difficult to reach, while the fire continues to grow, making access to the blaze difficult," he said.
At Ledok Bedor, crews face steep terrain, limited equipment, strong winds and three separate fire locations, requiring one hotspot to be extinguished before they can tackle another.
Amid firefighting efforts, 172 hikers previously in the Ranu Kumbolo area were safely evacuated, and authorities said all were in good condition.
"All 172 hikers from Ranu Kumbolo have been safely evacuated. The hiking route is currently completely closed," he said.
Given the difficult terrain and spread of the fires, ground crews need additional support, with helicopter-based aerial firefighting being considered, he said.
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Translator: Zumrotun S, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Primayanti
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