Authorities in Indonesia’s West Java province have declared a state of emergency due to a days-long fire at the Sarimukti landfill, which serves the city of Bandung and has been emitting thick and noxious smoke since Tuesday.
The fire at the 25-hectare landfill has led to health concerns among residents living nearby. At least 67 people have been diagnosed with mild respiratory infections, and two individuals required hospitalization due to the hazardous effects of the toxic blaze. In response, the headmaster of an Islamic middle school located approximately 6 kilometers away from the landfill instructed students to stay home to avoid the fumes.
Despite the efforts of 30 fire trucks to contain the blaze, the fire has continued to burn, with high temperatures and strong winds being blamed for the challenges in extinguishing it. The local government responded by declaring a 21-day state of emergency for the area. West Java regent Hengky Kurniawan expressed concerns about the fire’s origins, attributing it to discarded cigarette butts and urging residents to avoid such actions, especially during the current drought season.
The lack of modern waste management infrastructure in Indonesia’s densely populated cities, particularly on the populous island of Java, contributes to challenges in processing solid waste. To address the fire, water bombs will be deployed from helicopters by the national disaster management agency, as local authorities lack the equipment to effectively control the blaze. A temporary location for garbage collection is being established, emphasizing the importance of responsible waste management by residents.
Efforts are also being made to modify weather conditions in the region to induce rain and help extinguish the fire. West Java governor Ridwan Kamil expressed hope that the country’s geophysics agency’s efforts would lead to rainfall, alleviating the ongoing inferno and its impact on the region.