Palembang, KOTABARI.COM – The six-day-long fire that has engulfed the Sukawinatan Landfill Site in Palembang has garnered significant attention. However, the firefighting efforts are facing technical challenges due to various factors, including the topography and the structure of the burning garbage mountain.
Ansori SSos, the Head of the Emergency Response Division of the South Sumatra Provincial Disaster Management Agency (BPBD Sumsel), along with Supanto, the Head of Emergency Response, acknowledged the obstacles faced in combating the fire. Despite extensive efforts from both air and land, the 15-meter-deep layers of the burning garbage heap are proving to be a significant hurdle for effective water penetration. The presence of thick plastic materials covering the garbage heap has made it difficult for water to seep into the burning layers.
Ansori revealed that the landfill site spans 25 hectares, with approximately 5 hectares of it affected by the fire. While a substantial portion of the fire has been contained, around one hectare of residual fire still presents challenges. Firefighting efforts are not limited to the ground, as two waterbombing helicopters have been deployed alongside efforts on the ground. Six waterbombing helicopters, under the coordination of the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), have been utilized, with two focused on the Sukawinatan Landfill Site.
Despite continuous firefighting efforts, Ansori explained that approximately 40 sorties of waterbombing helicopter flights were carried out since yesterday, with a similar number expected today. However, the flight duration is subject to weather conditions and water availability. The high concentration of methane gas emitted by the garbage heap contributes to the rapid spread of the fire, necessitating cautious firefighting measures.
Governor of South Sumatra, H Herman Deru, has instructed the extinguishment of the fire due to the high levels of smoke and pollution affecting public health. Authorities have also called for cooperation from the management of the Sukawinatan Landfill Site to limit the activities of scavengers in the area. The openness of the site and numerous entry points pose challenges in monitoring these activities. Ansori also appealed to scavengers not to carry ignition sources like lighters to the site, considering the potential hazards involved.
The landfill fire at Sukawinatan has become a pressing concern, and relevant authorities are exerting maximum efforts to quell the ongoing blaze. Despite technical challenges impeding the firefighting process, there is hope that with sustained collaboration and efforts, the situation can be brought under control.