Indonesia Closes Mount Bromo to Tourists as Wildfire Continues to Spread

ANTARA News

Mount Bromo wildfire in Indonesia.

Indonesia has closed Mount Bromo National Park in East Java to all tourist activities after a wildfire burning since Monday continued to spread across the volcano's caldera, park authorities announced on Saturday.

The closure came into effect on Saturday evening and will remain in place until further notice, according to the park's operator, Reuters reported.

The wildfire has now scorched approximately 176 hectares (435 acres) of land within the Mount Bromo area, a significant increase from the roughly 60 hectares reported on Thursday, according to Reuters.

"This closure is a crucial step to maintain safety of visitors, staff and people ‌in ⁠the surrounding areas," it said, adding that people who have bought entrance tickets will be able to reschedule visits or seek a refund.

Mount Bromo, one of Indonesia's most active volcanoes, is one of the country's most popular tourist destinations, renowned for its vast "Sea of Sand" caldera and dramatic volcanic landscape.

East Java's disaster mitigation ⁠agency said authorities are deploying water bombing helicopters and water spraying drones to bolster efforts to extinguish the fire, according to Reuters.

Authorities have not declared what caused the fire, and there have been no casualties reported.



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