Indonesia battles growing wildfires as Mount Bromo blaze spreads

Indonesia intensified efforts Monday to combat a growing number of wildfires across the archipelago, deploying helicopters, hundreds of firefighters and disaster personnel as blazes spread.

Dry weather and strengthening El Nino conditions raised the risk of more forest fires during the dry season.

Indonesia battles growing wildfires as Mount Bromo blaze spreads  Toronto Star

Indonesia is intensifying efforts Monday to combat multiple wildfires as dry weather and strengthening El Nino conditions increase fire risks during the peak dry season

More than 120 personnel, three water-bombing helicopters, drones and some fire trucks have been deployed to put out the fires around the caldera, an official said.

A fire in Indonesia’s ⁠Mount Bromo National Park ⁠in East Java ⁠that burnt 550 hectares (1,360 acres) has been extinguished, according to an official on Monday, but there are new hotspots near the caldera. Gatot Soebroto, head of the local disaster mitigation agency, said authorities had found new fires in ⁠areas aroun

Fire near Indonesia's Mount Bromo extinguished after 550 hectares burnt, but new hotspots emerge  Reuters

Indonesian authorities have closed a popular national park until further notice. Strong winds and rough terrain are making it difficult for firefighters to extinguish the blaze.

A fire has destroyed 60 hectares of land in Mount Bromo's national park in Java, Indonesia, since Monday