Mount Semeru forest fires force hiking trail closures

Forest fires have struck the slopes of Mount Semeru within the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park (TNBTS) in East Java, Indonesia. The fires, which were reported to have started around August 26, 2026, have affected various areas including Ranu Kembang, the Ayek-Ayek Block, and the Ledok Bedor region near Argosari and Ranupani villages.

In response to the blaze, the TNBTS Great Office has implemented a total closure of all Mount Semeru hiking trails, effective from August 26 until further notice, to ensure visitor safety and assist in fire control.

Emergency response teams from the Pasuruan Regency Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) are currently conducting intensive wetting operations, particularly around the Bukit Cinta area in the Tosari District. Personnel are using water tank trucks and portable reservoirs to reach steep, difficult terrain to extinguish remaining embers hidden within large tree trunks. These efforts aim to prevent secondary fire outbreaks caused by high winds and extreme weather conditions.