Indonesia Deploys Helicopters to Fight Wildfires

Indonesia is intensifying its battle against widespread wildfires, deploying helicopters and thousands of firefighters as blazes consume forests and peatlands across the archipelago during an unusually dry season. The most prominent fire is burning in the popular Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park in East Java, where authorities have closed the site to visitors as the blaze has expanded significantly.

As of Monday, August 10, 2026, the fire in the national park has scorched approximately 743 hectares, according to East Java authorities. The blaze, which began on August 4, has burned large areas of dry grassland, vegetation, and protected edelweiss flowers. Flames have spread to the Penanjakan area, a popular viewpoint for tourists visiting the volcanic landscape of Mount Bromo. No injuries or evacuations have been reported from the park.

The park was closed to all visitors on Saturday, August 8, as a safety measure. Park chief Rudijanta Tjahja Nugraha stated the closure would remain in effect until further notice. Hundreds of firefighters, soldiers, police officers, park rangers, and volunteers have been mobilized to contain the blaze. Helicopters and water-spraying drones have...