Large-scale fires on the slopes of Java volcanoes have led to the closure of tourist trails
A prolonged dry spell combined with strong winds has caused widespread fires to break out in volcanic areas on the Indonesian island of Java, ravaging pine forests, savannahs and mountain meadows on the slopes of the Sumbing, Lawu and Arjuno massifs.
On Mount Sumbing, the fire spread to dozens of hectares of forest. Due to the steep terrain, manual extinguishing proved extremely difficult, so for the safety of climbers and local residents, the ascents via Garung and Bovongso were completely closed.
Near the summit of Mount Lawu, flames are burning mountain pines and alang-alang grass, posing a threat to nearby settlements. To contain the fire, combined teams of rescuers and volunteers are urgently setting up firebreaks. On Mount Arjuno, where the Raden Soerjo Forest Park has been affected, emergency services are planning to drop water from the air due to the impossibility of reaching the centers by ground transport.
Context
The affected Sumbing, Lawu and Arjuno massifs belong to the volcanic regions of Central and East Java. Their upper levels are occupied by thickets of alang-alang grass, savannas and montane pine forests, which are particularly vulnerable to the rapid spread of flames during the dry season.