Sukamara Battles Early 2026 Land Fires Amid Rising Hotspots

RRI.CO.ID, Sukamara – Sukamara Regency, Central Kalimantan Province, faces intensifying land and forest fire threats, with approximately 85 hectares already scorched this year. The blazes are particularly concentrated along vulnerable coastal areas prone to hotspots.

As reported by Antara, local authorities report scattered fire points across several subdistricts, prompting round-the-clock responses from rapid reaction teams.

"Our team actively moves to extinguish fires at every detected point. We are also assisted by Manggala Agni Operational Area III/Pangkalan Bun fire brigade unit and Sukamara Lamandau Forest Management Agency," said Sukamara Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) Acting Head Supandi, through Emergency and Logistics Section Head, Yudhi Setyawan Putra, on Friday, February 20, 2026.

Teams swiftly deploy to extinguish blazes upon reports, prioritizing containment to prevent spread. "Field challenges are quite varied, but the main priority is to localize the fire so it doesn't spread," added Yudhi.

In response to elevated fire incidents early in the year, Sukamara authorities urge residents and plantation businesses to heighten vigilance and abandon slash-and-burn land clearing practices. BPBD calls for immediate smoke or burning reports, enforcing strict monitoring amid unpredictable weather and looming dry season risks.

"We really hope for community cooperation. Burning land to clear or open it is strictly prohibited, as the impacts are very detrimental, both economically and health-wise due to the smoke produced," emphasized Yudhi.

This proactive stance aims to curb economic losses and health risks from haze as seasonal challenges intensify. ***