BNPB: Labuan Bajo wildfire fully extinguished after burning 25 ha

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) has confirmed that a wildfire in Labuan Bajo of West Manggarai District in East Nusa Tenggara was fully extinguished by a joint emergency response team on Thursday (July 16).

Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Center Abdul Muhari said in Jakarta on Friday that dry weather and strong winds in the area were among the factors that contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.

"Hot and dry weather, combined with strong winds, contributed to the extent of the area burned in the wildfire," he said.

The agency urged residents and tourists in Labuan Bajo to avoid activities that could spark fires, such as carelessly discarding cigarette butts or burning waste in open areas, to help prevent similar incidents from recurring.

"We call on local governments and communities to remain vigilant and prepared for wildfires. Prevention remains the most effective measure," he said.

BNPB noted at least 25 hectares of land were burned by the wildfire in Labuan Bajo as of Thursday (July 16).

The agency's Directorate of Operations Control previously reported that based on the incident chronology, the first hotspot was detected at around 14:18 Central Indonesia Time (WITA) on Wednesday (July 15).

The fire, which scorched dozens of hectares of dry vegetation, occurred in Labuan Bajo Village, Komodo Subdistrict, West Manggarai District.

The report from the West Manggarai Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency stated no fatalities or injuries were reported in the incident.

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Translator: M. Riezko Bima Elko Prasetyo, Bayu Prasetyo

Editor: M Razi Rahman

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