BPBD: Sumedang Records the Most Forest Fires in West Java
BPBD recorded that Sumedang Regency had the most forest fires in West Java by August 2026.
The West Java Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) reported that Sumedang Regency experienced the highest number of forest fires in the province as of August 2026. According to Hadi Rahmat Hardjasasmita, a Young Expert Public Relations Officer at BPBD, Sumedang had recorded 20 forest fire incidents by August 27, 2026, making it the regency with the most incidents. This was followed by Majalengka Regency with 15 incidents, Bandung Regency and Subang Regency each with 13 incidents.
Overall, BPBD recorded 138 forest fires across 94 subdistricts and 160 villages in West Java, affecting a total of 199.60 hectares. Among these, Sukabumi Regency had the largest affected area, at 49.20 hectares, followed by Majalengka Regency with 25.91 hectares, Kuningan Regency with 23.80 hectares, Sumedang Regency with 21.68 hectares, and Cirebon Regency with 20.73 hectares.
BPBD emphasized the importance of vigilance regarding forest fires and urged the public to avoid activities that could trigger fires, particularly in areas prone to burning. They are also coordinating with district/city BPBD and related agencies to enhance monitoring, expedite reporting, and manage forest fires in their respective regions.
Sumedang Regency's BPBD team is intensifying monitoring of drying vegetation and educating the public on preventing fire-triggering activities. They believe that education and public awareness are crucial in preventing fires during the dry season, as the majority of the fires were found to be caused by community negligence in flammable vegetation.
Written by urgent.news from Tempo.co English's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
