Enviro News Asia, Cibodas – Hotspots have reappeared in the Kawah Wadon area of Mount Gede Pangrango National Park (TNGGP), following a forest fire that affected an estimated 5.8 hectares. The TNGGP Large Hall, together with a joint response team, has intensified monitoring and firefighting efforts to prevent the fire from spreading.
Field monitoring conducted by TNGGP officers on Monday (August 10, 2026) detected smoke emerging from thick layers of leaf litter at the fire site. The condition indicates that embers may still be burning beneath the surface, creating the potential for a ground fire and the re-emergence of hotspots.
Following a report from volunteers on Tuesday (August 11), the TNGGP Large Hall deployed personnel and six volunteers to the site via the Cibodas hiking route at 6:00 a.m. local time. A field inspection confirmed two active smoke points along the rim of Kawah Wadon that require further firefighting and mop-up operations.
Head of the TNGGP Large Hall, Sadtata Noor Adirahmanta, said comprehensive firefighting and cooling operations face challenging terrain. Thick and deep layers of leaf litter, steep and difficult-to-access terrain, and the considerable distance from water sources have become major obstacles for firefighting teams.
“These conditions mean that the situation in the field can change rapidly. Therefore, monitoring and firefighting strategies are continuously adjusted to the circumstances, while prioritizing the safety of all firefighting personnel,” Sadtata said.
To anticipate the potential expansion of the affected area and the emergence of new hotspots, the TNGGP Large Hall has strengthened coordination with Manggala Agni, Forest Ranger Partner Communities (MMP), volunteers, local residents, and personnel from relevant agencies.
All joint team members remain on full alert at monitoring posts and vulnerable locations. Follow-up firefighting and monitoring operations will be conducted according to field conditions to prevent the fire from spreading further. (*)
