Fires Still Raze Forests And Plantations in Riau

Dumai, Riau Province, Feb. 21 (ANTARA) - Fires still razed some parts of forests and plantations in two sub districts in Riau, according to data from the Dumai agricultural, plantation and forestry office, here Monday.

The fire-affected sub districts were Sungai Sembilan and Medang Kampai sub districts, Hadiono, the head of the Dumai agricultural, plantation and forestry office, said here Monday.

In Sungai Sembilan sub district, the fires gutted areas previously used as industrial tree forests (HTI) particularly at Lubung Gaung and Basilam Baru neighborhoods.

"We predict that the fires are still razing the areas as the rain intensity is very low," Hadiono said.

In Medang Kampai sub district, a plot of land measuring 25 hectares, which would be used to plan crops, got burned, he said, adding that the fires might expand to wider areas.

The local authorities have been trying to extinguish the fires, despite lack of necessary equipment.

"Hopefully, rains will fall in the coming days to help put out the fires," he said.

Due to the forest and plantation fires, Dumai City has been covered by haze especially in the morning and evening.