PROBOLINGGO, Indonesia | Four firefighters and volunteers have died and two others suffered serious burns after a fast-spreading wildfire trapped a team battling flames inside Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park in East Java, Indonesian authorities confirmed on Thursday, October 15.
According to Probolinggo Regent Muhammad Haris, the victims were among a 12-member team fighting the blaze when shifting winds caused the fire to spread rapidly, separating the group and trapping six people. Three victims died at the scene, while the fourth died while being transported to Tongas Regional General Hospital, Indonesia’s state news agency ANTARA reported on Friday, October 16.
The deceased were identified as Sukaris, Wisnu Yuda Pratama and Hendra Rony, personnel of Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, and Sefriel Ardiansyah, an employee of Artotel Bromo. The two survivors, identified as Munawi and Suraji, sustained serious burns and were transferred to Dr. Soetomo Regional General Hospital in Surabaya for intensive treatment. Haris said the local government would cover their medical expenses in coordination with park authorities.
Haris said the team had been conducting firefighting operations in accordance with established safety procedures, but the rapidly expanding blaze and sudden change in wind direction left six members trapped.
The disaster highlights the dangers faced by emergency crews battling wildfires in Indonesia, where dry conditions, strong winds and difficult terrain can complicate suppression efforts.
Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reported that a major wildfire affected the Mount Bromo area in August, burning land across Probolinggo and Malang districts. On August 12, the agency said 540 personnel from the military, police, disaster management offices, park authorities and volunteer groups had been deployed to contain the fires.
The Ministry of Forestry announced on August 14 that active flames in the affected area had been extinguished, although crews continued cooling and monitoring operations to prevent reignition from smoldering embers. The ministry also ordered temporary restrictions on access to the park to allow firefighting and safety assessments.
Haris said wildfires have occurred in the Mount Bromo area almost every year, but the latest incident was particularly tragic because of the fatalities.
Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park is a protected landscape in East Java known for its volcanic scenery, including Mount Bromo and Mount Semeru. Its steep slopes and exposed terrain can make firefighting operations particularly hazardous.
Authorities continue to face the challenge of protecting the park’s environment while ensuring the safety of firefighters, volunteers and nearby communities.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
