Palangka Raya extends forest fire and drought emergency status

The Palangka Raya city government has extended the emergency response status for forest and land fires (karhutla) and drought for 30 days, effective from September 9 to October 8, 2026. This decision follows a high frequency of fire incidents in the region.

In the Kereng Bangkirai area, a residential house measuring approximately 4x6 meters caught fire on Wednesday morning. Local fire and rescue officials stated the blaze was likely caused by spreading flames from nearby empty land fires. While one house was destroyed and another was affected, no casualties or injuries were reported. Emergency responders, supported by the military, police, and the Central Kalimantan Forestry Service, managed to extinguish the fire and complete cooling operations by midday.