Entering the dry season, Asia Pulp & Paper (APP) Sinar Mas has strengthened the Integrated Fire Management (IFM) system around Riau province. It is the Rapid Reaction Team responsibility to identify and extinguish hotspots.
In addition, there are hundreds of field patrol teams that help supervise in other areas. With this help, TRC personnels able to reach the suspected fire location in just 30 minutes. Not to mention 3 water bombing helicopters standby to help. They also encourage people nearby not to slash and burn to avoid fires.
TRC continues to work during the COVID-19 pandemic with strict health protocol to its 50 personnel. Reducing the total number of firefighters, maintaining social distance, including using the thermal cameras and drones for early detection, TRC also conducts routine health checks and physical training. The team also required to use personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent the virus transmission.
"Health and safety is our main priority. We practice and maintain good hygiene and sanitation, we also providing vitamins and requiring all personnel to maintain physical distance while patrolling," said Head of Fire Operation Management PT Arara Abadi Deny Widjaya.
