A forest fire that came within just one kilometre of YIARI’s Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Ketapang, West Kalimantan, is now under control. But, its proximity to the centre has left staff deeply concerned about what may lie ahead.
The fire, first detected on 22 July near the Ketapang-Tanjungpura Road, threatened the forest surrounding the centre. This forest is made up of islands, home to rescued orangutans learning the skills they need to return to the wild, as well as permanent residents who can’t be released and depend on this protected forest.
Emergency procedures were activated immediately. Firefighting teams, water spraying operations and round the clock monitoring were put in place, while our vets and staff kept a close watch over every orangutan. Thankfully, all of the animals at the centre were kept safe throughout the emergency.
Argitoe Ranting, YIARI’s Programme Operations Director, said:
“The safety of the animals undergoing rehabilitation is our highest priority. Since the fire was detected, our entire team has acted quickly to implement emergency response procedures, ensuring that the orangutans and other animals remain safe while also supporting efforts to control the fire around the area.”
Water bombing aircraft were used alongside ground crews to reach hotspots that could not be accessed by land, helping bring the fire under control before it could reach the centre.
Although the immediate danger has eased, the incident is a frightening warning. Dry, windy conditions helped the fire spread quickly, and scientists warn that a strong El Niño could bring hotter, drier weather across Indonesia later this year, increasing the risk of further forest and land fires.
The fact that fire came so close is deeply concerning, especially before the most dangerous part of the dry season has fully arrived.
YIARI is focused on strengthening preparedness, protecting the forest and ensuring teams have the equipment and resources needed to respond fast when the next fire starts. That preparation depends on funding, and with a much harsher fire season potentially ahead, the need has never been more urgent.
Please donate to our Urgent Fire Crisis Fund today and help us protect these orangutans and their forest home before the next fire starts.
This response was coordinated by a joint task force including BNPB, BPBD, Manggala Agni, the Indonesian Armed Forces, Police, the South Ketapang Forest Management Unit, PT MoPaKha and YIARI’s own team.