Four firefighters killed battling Indonesian national park blaze

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 16 Oct, 09:32 · Archive

Four firefighters died and two were severely burned while battling a wildfire in Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park in East Java on Thursday.

Four firefighters died and two others suffered severe burns while battling a wildfire in Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park in East Java's Probolinggo regency on Thursday afternoon. A 12-member firefighting team became trapped by thick smoke and rapidly spreading flames that spread quickly through dry vegetation. Firefighters operating outside the danger zone received an emergency call from their colleagues, prompting rescue efforts.

Rescuers found three people dead and three others suffering severe burns at an evacuation point. One of the injured died from their injuries while receiving treatment, according to East Java police spokesman Jules Abraham Abast. The incident occurred in a remote mountainous area, with steep terrain preventing vehicles from reaching the site. Police chief Asmida Rizki Siregar said she joined emergency crews carrying victims on stretchers for about 2km and announced an investigation would probe whether negligence or criminal wrongdoing contributed to the tragedy.

Indonesia is experiencing its worst wildfires in a decade, with intense fires burning mainly on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra since July. The government warned they could continue until November, aggravated by a severe El Niño weather pattern, land clearance using fire, and water shortages hampering firefighting efforts. Toxic haze and smoke have caused a health crisis in neighbouring countries, drifting as far as the Philippines, more than 800km away.

How it is being reported

• Indonesian national park wildfire kills four, burns twoFirefighters have died while battling a wildfire in East Java after becoming trapped by thick smoke and rapidly spreading flames.Perth Now · 16 Oct, 09:04
• Indonesian national park wildfire kills four, burns twoFirefighters have died while battling a wildfire in East Java after becoming trapped by thick smoke and rapidly spreading flames.The West Australian · 16 Oct, 09:04

In this story: Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park · East Java · Probolinggo · Java · Indonesia · Borneo · Sumatra · Philippines

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