Forest Fire in Bengkalis, Riau Spreads to 80 Hectares, Water Bombing Deployed

A forest and land fire (karhutna) has engulfed roughly 80 hectares in Bengkalis Regency, Riau Province. The blaze is centred around Desa Pematang Pudu in Kecamatan Mandau, affecting nearby villages such as Tangkahan, Tegar Ujung and Buluh Apo.

Fire‑fighting efforts involve three regiments of the Manggala Agni aerial unit, which have deployed water‑bombing helicopters, as well as ground teams from the police, the Indonesian army (TNI), the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), and local volunteer groups. Officials report thick smoke, strong winds and abundant dry vegetation are accelerating the spread of the fire. The operation, which began on 15 July, continues into its fourth day, with additional small‑scale fires being addressed in neighbouring districts of Rokan Hilir and Rokan Hulu.