West Aceh Wildfires Spread to 31 Hectares as Crews Battle Obstacles
- 11 Jun 2026 23:54 WIB
- Voice of Indonesia
Key Points
- West Aceh wildfires have spread to 31.1 hectares across five subdistricts, with thick smoke, strong winds, and difficult access hampering firefighting efforts.
- Authorities have deployed ground crews, a water‑bomber helicopter, and multi‑agency support to contain remaining hotspots.
RRI.CO.ID, Meulaboh - Intense smoke, difficult access, and strong winds are complicating firefighting efforts as forest and land fires in West Aceh Regency expanded to about 31.1 hectares across five districts, officials said Thursday, June 11, 2026.
“Total burned area now reaches approximately 31.1 hectares spread over five subdistricts,” Acting Head of the West Aceh Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD), Teuku Ronal Nehdiansyah, told reporters in Meulaboh on June 11, 2026.
As reported by Antara, the figure marks an increase from an earlier estimate of 29.1 hectares.
Ronal detailed the affected locations: in Bubon Subdistrict, Berawang Village suffered damage on 15 hectares, and Kuta Padang Layung on 10 hectares. In Johan Pahlawan Subdistrict, Lapang Village recorded one hectare, and Seunebok Village recorded 0.5 hectares.
Meureubo Subdistrict reported two hotspots in Ujong Tanoh Darat Village (1.6 hectares at point I and one hectare at point II). Cot Seumeurueng Village in Samatiga Subdistrict saw two hectares burned, while Gunung Pulo Village in Arongan Lambalek Subdistrict reported one hectare.
Fire suppression continues with combined ground and air operations, but Ronal acknowledged crews face major obstacles. Damaged vegetation is producing thick smoke that disrupts breathing and reduces visibility, while remote locations, strong winds, and rough roads prevent four‑wheeled vehicles from reaching many sites.
To support operations, BPBD, the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), and related agencies have deployed transport assets, a water‑bomber helicopter, field vehicles, and four water pumps.
The response involves personnel from BPBD West Aceh, the West Aceh Military Command (Kodim), the West Aceh Police, Woyla Fire Fighting Posts, local military and police units, the Regional Forest Management Unit IV, the Student Disaster Management Unit of Teuku Umar University, and village communities.
Authorities said containment work is ongoing and that coordination across agencies and community support remains critical to fully extinguish remaining hotspots. ***
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