A significant forest fire erupted in the operational safety area of Hang Nadim Airport in Batam on the evening of March 17, 2024, with initial investigations pointing towards deliberate arson. Police at the scene discovered suspicious items such as fuel and jerry cans, indicating the fire’s potential human origins.
The forest fire, which quickly spread across approximately 2 hectares of bushland due to strong winds, prompted a swift response from local police and Brimob units. The discovery of items used to ignite the fire has led to an ongoing investigation to uncover the perpetrators behind this environmental disaster.
Upon extinguishing the fire, police found several items suspected to be linked to the incident, including jerry cans partially filled with oil and Pertalite, a hose, a brown bag with woodcutting tools, and other items, which are now crucial evidence in the arson investigation.
The Brimob unit of the Kepri Police Department dispatched 27 personnel equipped with fire extinguishers and armored water cannons to control the blaze, highlighting the seriousness of the threat to the airport’s operational safety.
The successful containment of the fire by Brimob personnel by 11:25 PM demonstrates the effectiveness of the rapid response teams in protecting public safety and critical infrastructure.
The Kepri Police have urged the public to report any suspicious activities or crimes and to use the Police Super Apps for immediate assistance, indicating a broader effort to engage the community in safeguarding public spaces.
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The incident has raised high alerts among aviation and environmental security officials, as forest fires near airport areas pose significant risks to flight safety and environmental health.
The forest fire near Hang Nadim Airport in Batam serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities facing the region’s critical infrastructure and the importance of swift emergency responses. The ongoing investigation into the arson highlights the challenges of protecting environmental and operational safety in the face of deliberate acts of destruction.
A forest fire near Hang Nadim Airport in Batam, suspected to be caused by arson, led to the deployment of 27 Brimob personnel and the discovery of suspicious items indicating intentional ignition. The rapid response and investigation into the fire underscore the importance of vigilance and cooperation in safeguarding critical infrastructure and the environment from such threats.
Source: Batam News, iNews (2024)
