Mount Rinjani Forest Fire Spreads Across 723.7 Hectares
Fire Continues to Burn on Mount Rinjani Hiking Route
Kabarsaji.com – A forest fire remains active around Setampol Hill in the Torean Resort area on the Mount Rinjani hiking trail, with flames affecting an estimated 723.7 hectares of land in North Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara.
The blaze began on Tuesday, September 22, at about 18:50 Central Indonesian Time (WITA). Emergency personnel have made progress in parts of the affected area, but difficult conditions have prevented them from bringing the fire fully under control.
Sadimin, head of the West Nusa Tenggara Regional Disaster Management Agency, said the wildfire is still consuming vegetation across the mountain area. Of the total land affected, 74.161 hectares had been extinguished at the time of his statement in Mataram on Saturday.
“Currently, the fire is still burning the vegetation. Of the total 723.7 hectares affected, the fire has been extinguished on 74.161 hectares,” he said.
Wind and Terrain Complicate Firefighting
Ground teams are continuing suppression work, but the operation faces serious obstacles. Strong winds have accelerated the fire’s movement, allowing flames to spread more quickly through dry vegetation. The steep landscape around the affected section of Mount Rinjani has also made access challenging for personnel working to contain the blaze.
“So, in addition to strong winds causing the fire to spread rapidly, the terrain at the scene is also steep and difficult for the joint personnel to access,” Sadimin said.
Mountain fires can be especially difficult to address because responders must operate over uneven slopes and through areas that may not be reachable by vehicles. In such settings, teams often need to work directly on the ground while monitoring wind direction, available routes, and the condition of nearby vegetation.
The fire is located in an area connected to the Torean hiking trail, one of the routes leading into the Mount Rinjani region. The incident highlights the wider risks faced by forested and mountainous landscapes during dry periods, when vegetation can ignite and flames may move rapidly under windy conditions.
Joint Response Underway
The West Nusa Tenggara disaster management agency is coordinating the response with the North Lombok Regency BPBD and the Mount Rinjani National Park Agency, known as TNGR. At least eight elements are involved in the field operation.
Personnel deployed include teams from TNGR, Manggala Agni, the Indonesian military, the National Police, forest rangers, the Fire Brigade Community, and porters. Their combined presence reflects the complexity of working in a protected mountain environment where local familiarity with trails and terrain can be important during an emergency.
Authorities have not yet determined what caused the fire. The origin of the blaze remains under investigation, and no conclusion has been announced.
For people living near forested areas or traveling through mountain regions, the incident serves as a reminder that prevention is essential during the dry season. Even a small fire can become harder to control when winds are strong and the surrounding land is dry.
Public Asked to Help Prevent New Fires
The BPBD has issued a public appeal aimed at reducing the risk of further forest and land fires. Residents have been urged not to clear land through burning, a practice that can create serious danger when flames escape their intended area.
People are also advised not to discard cigarette butts carelessly, particularly near dry grass, shrubs, or woodland. Any fire used during an activity should be completely extinguished before leaving the location.
“The public is also urged to immediately report any hotspots they discover to village officials, firefighters, the BPBD, or relevant agencies,” he said.
Early reporting can give response teams a better chance to assess and address a fire before it reaches a larger area. Anyone who sees smoke, flames, or a potential hotspot should avoid approaching dangerous locations and instead notify the appropriate local authorities as quickly as possible.
Efforts to extinguish the Setampol Hill fire are continuing as teams work through the challenges posed by wind, rugged terrain, and the scale of the affected vegetation. The situation remains a concern for the Mount Rinjani area while authorities seek to fully contain the blaze and establish its cause.
Related Reading
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mount Rinjani Forest Fire Spreads Across 723?Mount Rinjani Forest Fire Spreads Across 723 is the main topic of this guide. The article explains the context, practical details, and next steps readers should understand.
Why does Mount Rinjani Forest Fire Spreads Across 723 matter?Mount Rinjani Forest Fire Spreads Across 723 matters because readers are looking for a useful answer, not just a short summary. Good content should match search intent and help them decide what to do next.