Wildfires Worsen in Kandangan, Tingdam Volunteer Firefighters Urge Government to Be More Responsive and Support Frontliners
Keywords: Wildfires, Karhutla, BPK Tingdam, Kandangan, Volunteer Firefighters, National Disaster
KANDANGAN — The escalating forest and land fires (Karhutla) over the past three to four months have heightened the readiness of local volunteer fire brigades. The Tingdam Volunteer Fire Brigade (BPK Tingdam) affirmed its commitment to remaining on standby and deploying rapidly to extinguish hotspots in high-risk areas, Saturday (24/10/2026).
Rapid Response for Hotspot Management
Handling the Karhutla disaster in Kandangan and surrounding areas requires extra effort from joint firefighting teams. Representatives from BPK Tingdam explained that field response strategies heavily depend on the number and severity of emerging hotspots.
“Particularly for BPK Tingdam volunteers, deployment depends on the number of hotspots. If conditions are severe, we immediately dispatch to the location. However, if it can still be handled by BPBD and the regional fire department, we remain on standby,” stated a BPK Tingdam volunteer when interviewed at the station.
Throughout this year’s dry season, BPK Tingdam has repeatedly braved thick smoke in several vulnerable zones, including firefighting efforts in Garis Village and Bangkau Village.
Should Wildfires Be Declared a National Disaster?
Observing the continuous escalation of land fires that have raged for nearly four months, volunteers consider this year’s Karhutla conditions far more alarming than in previous years.
“Currently, this disaster is worse than in previous years. In our view, the situation fully warrants being declared a national disaster,” emphasized a BPK Tingdam volunteer.
Operational Support Issues and Expectations from the Government
Regarding operational support on the ground, BPK Tingdam revealed that local government aid remains very limited. The government typically provides assistance in the form of fuel (BBM) and masks, under the condition that volunteers must submit photographic documentation of fleet units and vehicle positioning at the fire site.
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Meanwhile, daily food and beverage supplies for volunteers during firefighting efforts often depend on the goodwill and awareness of village local governments or directly affected residents.
Therefore, BPK Tingdam hopes for concrete steps and greater attention from the government toward volunteer firefighters who consistently stand on the front lines during emergencies.
“We hope the government becomes more responsive and attentive to volunteers, as BPK is always on the front lines during fire emergencies. At the very least, direct appreciation is needed to support our work and fellow volunteers in the field,” they added.
Prevention Appeals for the Public
Closing the statement, BPK Tingdam urged all elements of society to cease clearing land by burning, given its severe adverse impacts on the environment and public air health.
