Meulaboh, June 4, 2025 — A wildfire broke out in the village of Gunong Kleng, Meureubo District, West Aceh Regency on Monday evening, burning approximately one hectare of land and coming dangerously close to residential areas.
The fire, which started near the local soccer field in Gunong Kleng, quickly spread, reaching up to 100 meters from its original point. Responding to the emergency, the West Aceh Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) deployed firefighting teams from the Meureubo fire station and the district office.
“We received the report and immediately dispatched a team to check the situation. The fire was already nearing the homes of residents,” said Teuku Ronal Nehdiansyah, Head of West Aceh BPBD.
Firefighting efforts began at 9:00 p.m. and continued until midnight, when the team had to temporarily halt operations due to a lack of accessible water sources in the area. Firefighters resumed their work early the next morning, but the fire had already intensified overnight, making it more challenging to control.
By the second day, fire crews had managed to contain about 95% of the blaze, though some smoke and smoldering hotspots remained — posing the risk of reignition.
“The biggest challenges we faced were limited water and difficult access to the fire site,” Ronal explained. “But with the help of various equipment — including D-Max and Panther fire trucks, Exel and Kohler pump machines, and hoses — the team worked tirelessly to contain the fire.”
As of this report, fire suppression efforts are ongoing, with full extinguishment expected soon.
BPBD West Aceh is urging the public to remain vigilant during the current dry season and to immediately report any signs of wildfire to local authorities. These early warnings, officials say, are crucial in preventing fires from spreading and threatening homes and ecosystems.