Jatibarang Landfill fire in Semarang reduced to 2.5 hectares

Firefighting efforts continue at the Jatibarang Landfill in Semarang, Indonesia, where the affected area has been reduced to approximately 2 to 2.5 hectares. Officials report that while surface fires have diminished, thermal drones are being utilized to locate hidden hotspots beneath the waste piles to guide precise cooling operations.

The five-day blaze has caused health issues for local residents, with 22 people reported suffering from respiratory problems, including coughing and shortness of breath, across the Kedungpane, Tambakaji, and Bambankerep neighborhoods. Authorities are monitoring air quality and focusing on vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and pregnant women.

To support the ongoing operation, the Semarang City Government has deployed 50 firefighters and 24 vehicles from various agencies. Starting October 5, water tankers will operate on a 24-hour basis across four shifts to ensure a continuous supply for cooling the site. The presence of cotton mattresses within the waste was identified as a contributing factor to the intensity of the flames.