Madiun, E Java (Antara Bali) - A fire has ravaged the forest in
Mount Lawu, which straddles the southern border of East and Central
Java, since last Saturday, prompting authorities to declare the
3,265-meter high mountain off-limits to climbing activity.
"The forest fire broke out on Saturday night. It started at lot 73
in the Sarangan forest management subdistrict unit, Lawu Ds forest
district unit, or near post 5 of the climbing route," spokesman for
South Lawu forest district unit Marwoto said on Monday.
The decision to declare the mountain off-limits for mountaineering
was aimed at avoiding undesirable incidents to climbers. As a result,
hundreds of visitors had canceled their plans to climb the mountain to
observe the 69th anniversary of Indonesian independence, which fell on
Sunday (August 17).
"The climbing routes have been closed indefinitely for the sake of climbers safety," he said.
The forestry authorities, helped by relevant agencies, were trying
to put out the forest fire. Dry and hot weather caused the fire to
spread quickly.
"We have been trying to put out the blaze since overnight, but we
found it difficult to do so due to the darkness and steep fire site," he
noted.
The cause of the wildfire is still unknown.(WDY)
Related News
Rektor Unud diperiksa Kejati selama delapan jam
Thursday, 6 April 2023 22:21
Di Bali, dua jenazah WNA Ukrania dinyatakan negatif COVID-19
Thursday, 30 April 2020 20:24
The Indonesia takes firm stand on saying no to foreign rubbish
Wednesday, 10 Juli 2019 8:23
Police intensifified security arrangements around Constitutional Court building
Wednesday, 26 Juni 2019 11:54
Mt. Agung erupts with incandescent lava flowing for 3 kilometers
Saturday, 25 Mei 2019 4:05
Nine policemen die while securing Indonesia's elections
Saturday, 20 April 2019 6:49
Smoke two thousand meters high, Mt Agung's eruption sends ash
Thursday, 4 April 2019 13:11
Garuda flight forced to emergency landing in Sri Lanka
Wednesday, 3 April 2019 20:04
Family buried in buleleng landslide
Tuesday, 29 Januari 2019 11:07
Landslide claims two lives in Karangasem
Monday, 28 Januari 2019 17:01
Finance Minister gives incentive funds for Bali on plastic limitations
Monday, 31 Desember 2018 23:46
Rescuers evacuate five landslide victims in Bali
Sunday, 9 Desember 2018 7:28