Lesson Learned From The 2019 Peatland Fire In Tumbang Nusa Area, Indonesia

Abstract

Regionally, the Tumbang Nusa area consists of Tumbang Nusa village and Tanjung Taruna which also include a special research forest area under the management of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry. The area is a peatland with a peat soil depth between 2-8 meters so that is representative of the impacts of peat fire events on areas of moderate until deep peat depth. Experience from fire events at the mentions area in 2019 can be used to guide improvements in fire prevention strategies and management plans for preventing future surface and peat fires. Our research has shown that reducing the probability of a fire occurring requires an understanding of the socio-economic factors, such as human activities which ignite fires. This should be coupled with an understanding of the supporting biophysical and social factors including peatland characteristics, involvement of fire brigades, police and army, management of fuel, local fire danger rating, fire equipment, institutional capacity, suppression response, and post-fire action. All of these learning elements can improve prevention techniques at the village level.