Indonesia Deploys Water-Bombing Helicopter to Battle West Papua Forest Fires

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has stepped up its response to forest and land fires in West Papua, deploying a water-bombing helicopter to douse the flames. The aircraft is being used to drop water directly on hotspots in the Teluk Bintuni area, where dry conditions have fueled the spread of fires. BNPB officials confirmed that the operation aims to prevent the fires from expanding into residential zones and protected forest areas. Ground teams are also working alongside the aerial effort to create firebreaks and monitor shifting winds. The agency has urged local residents to avoid open burning, as the region faces an extended dry spell. No casualties have been reported, and authorities are assessing the total area of land affected. The helicopter deployment marks a key escalation in the government's strategy to contain the blazes before they worsen.