VIVAnews - Forest fire in Riau is getting worse. In its attempts to handle the spreading fire, the Riau government has set a red alert status.
The Riau government deployed 90 personnels from the Forestry Agency of Riau to the scattered hotspots in several regencies and municipalities. The team was assisted by 120 personnels of Riau District Office as well as forest and land fire departments.
"We have deployed the team to the hotspots. However, if the number of personnels are not yet enough, there may possibly be enforcement," Head of Environmental Impact Management Fahrizal Labay told reporters on Saturday, Jan. 24.
He claimed that the most extensive hotspots were located in Bengkalis Regency. The hotspots were also at Pelalawan, Siak, Indragiri Hilir Regencies and Dumai Municipality. Within the last two weeks, there have been more than 200 hotspots. Some of the hotspots had been tamed. Yet, new hotspots continue to arise.
"For the time being, hotspots can be spotted in all regencies. However, we are concentrating on the larger hotspots. Today, we will observe the affected area in Bengkalis," said Labay.
Meanwhile, Head of Quick Response Team at Environmental Impact Management of Bengkalis Regency, Rahyuna, said the most affected spot was located in Tanjung Leban Subdistrict. In extinguishing fire, his party was assisted by PT Arara Abadi's fire extinguishing team.
"We haven't calculated in detail the burnt area on Bengkalis Regency. However, we figure that an area of 1,000 hectares have been burnt," said Rahyuna.
Coverage: Hafiz Hasian | Riau
Translated by: Bonardo Maulana Wahono
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