Mount Bromo Wildfire Spreads Across 60 Hectares as Aerial Support Is Deployed

KUALA LUMPUR, AUGUST 2026 – A forest and land fire in the Mount Bromo area of East Java, Indonesia, has expanded to approximately 60 hectares, prompting authorities to reinforce ground operations with aerial firefighting support.

The blaze has affected parts of the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, one of Indonesia’s best-known natural and tourism destinations, as emergency teams continue efforts to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading further.

Authorities said the fire had become increasingly difficult to manage because of dry vegetation, strong winds and the challenging terrain surrounding the affected area.

Firefighters, national park personnel, local authorities and volunteers have been deployed on the ground to establish firebreaks, extinguish hotspots and monitor the direction of the flames.

Aerial support has now been mobilised to assist crews working in areas that are difficult to reach by land.

Water-bombing operations are expected to play a key role in containing the blaze, particularly in steep or remote sections where ground teams face limited access.

Officials are prioritising areas where the fire could potentially spread towards wider sections of the national park or threaten nearby communities and tourism facilities.

The Mount Bromo region attracts large numbers of domestic and international visitors each year and is one of East Java’s most recognisable tourism landmarks.

The wildfire has therefore raised concerns not only about environmental damage but also about possible disruption to tourism activities in the surrounding area.

Authorities are closely monitoring air quality, visibility and wind conditions as smoke from the fire spreads across parts of the region.

Visitors and residents near affected zones are being advised to follow official safety instructions and avoid entering areas where firefighting operations are under way.

The fire comes during Indonesia’s dry season, when forests and grasslands become particularly vulnerable to ignition and rapid fire spread.

Prolonged dry weather can reduce moisture levels in vegetation, allowing small fires to expand quickly when combined with strong winds.

Wildfires in protected areas can cause extensive ecological damage by destroying vegetation, affecting wildlife habitats and reducing soil quality.

Repeated fires can also increase the risk of erosion and make damaged areas more vulnerable to further environmental degradation.

Officials have not yet confirmed the exact cause of the Mount Bromo fire.

Investigations are expected to continue once conditions are safe enough for authorities to examine where and how the blaze began.