Firefighter tackling a fire
Urgent Appeal For Support As Super El Nino Forest And Land Fire Threatens YIARI Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
3 weeks ago 
460 views
Joint Team Works to Protect Wildlife and Prevent the Fire from Spreading
Ketapang, 22 July 2026 - A forest and land fire broke out close to YIARI's Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Sungai Awan Kiri Village, Delta Pawan District, Ketapang.
Dr Karmele Llano Sanchez from International Animal Rescue’s partner in Indonesia, YIARI, said: “We are being threatened by a big fire to different points that are surrounding the rehabilitation center. The fire started this morning, maybe around 10 a.m. and it's already nearly 4 p.m. and the teams are still working really hard. It's really thick smoke, and there are probably nearly 100 personnel here trying to stop the fire, trying to keep the area safe. But this is the condition we are suffering today, and we really need your help. We really need equipment and more personnel. And I really hope that people can help donating. Thank you.”
As of this afternoon, the Ketapang Regency Forest and Land Fire Task Force, comprising the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), Manggala Agni, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (Polri) and the South Ketapang Forest Management Unit, with support from YIARI and PT MoPaKha, continued to carry out firefighting and monitoring operations to prevent the fire from spreading further towards the rehabilitation facilities and surrounding forest.
To bring the fire under control more quickly, BNPB has also deployed aerial firefighting support, conducting water-bombing operations at several locations that are difficult for ground crews to reach. This operation forms part of a coordinated response involving the relevant authorities to contain the spread of the fire and protect the forest surrounding the orangutan rehabilitation centre. Teams on the ground continue to monitor the situation and coordinate their response to ensure the operation is carried out effectively.
The fire was first detected on 22 July 2026 along Jalan Ketapang-Tanjungpura at kilometre 5, approximately one kilometre from the rehabilitation centre. Preliminary monitoring estimates that around 29 hectares have been affected, although assessments are still ongoing.
As a precaution, YIARI immediately activated its emergency response procedures, including firefighting, water spraying and intensive monitoring of the animals. All orangutans currently at the rehabilitation centre are safe and continue to be closely monitored by the veterinary and animal care teams.
In addition to potentially threatening the safety of animals undergoing rehabilitation, the fire is also affecting air quality, forest ecosystems and the habitats of various wild species in the area. Dry and windy conditions have increased the risk of the fire spreading, making a rapid and coordinated response essential.
Dr Simon Yosonegoro Liem, Sp.MK, MHKes, a microbiology specialist in Ketapang, explained the risks that exposure to forest and land fire smoke poses to people:
“In addition to threatening the survival of forests and wildlife, smoke from forest and land fires also has serious consequences for public health. Those most at risk include children, older people, pregnant women and individuals with respiratory conditions such as asthma. Exposure to smoke can cause irritation to the eyes, nose and throat, worsen respiratory problems and increase the risk of acute respiratory infections.”
Argitoe Ranting, YIARI's Programme Operations Director, expressed his appreciation to everyone involved in the firefighting operation:
“We extend our deepest appreciation to all personnel on the ground, government authorities and partners who are working tirelessly to confront this situation. Forest fires threaten not only wildlife and their habitats, but also the safety of local communities and the future of the forests that sustain life.
“The safety of the animals undergoing rehabilitation is our highest priority. Since the fire was detected, our entire team has acted quickly to implement emergency response procedures, ensuring that the orangutans and other animals remain safe while also supporting efforts to control the fire around the area.”
Efendi, Acting Head of the Manggala Agni Kalimantan X/Ketapang Operations Unit, said:
“The response to the forest and land fire near YIARI's Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre demonstrates our shared commitment to protecting forests, wildlife and public safety. Coordination among everyone working on the ground continues to be strengthened so that the fire can be brought under control as quickly as possible.
“We urge the public not to burn land and to report any signs of fire immediately so that they can be addressed at the earliest possible stage.”
The joint response team is urging everyone not to burn forests or land in any form, including clearing land by burning it. During the dry season, fire can spread rapidly, threatening public safety, damaging forest ecosystems and endangering the wildlife living within them.
Members of the public are also asked to report any fires or signs of fire to the relevant authorities immediately so that action can be taken as early as possible. Rapid reporting is crucial to preventing fires from spreading and minimising their environmental impact.
Donate
Click here to donate and fight the fires!
Background
International Animal Rescue’s Indonesian partner, Yayasan Inisiasi Alam Rehabilitasi Indonesia (YIARI) have a rehabilitation centre in West Borneo.
Total Rescued: Over 260 total orangutans have been rescued by YIARI since its inception.
Returned to the Wild: 131 of those rescued have successfully graduated and live wild again, with some now having babies in the wild.
There are more than 60 orangutans currently being cared for at the Yayasan Inisiasi Alam Rehabilitasi Indonesia (YIARI) center in West Borneo.
Current Population: Over 60 individuals remain at the rehabilitation facility undergoing long-term care, medical treatment, or forest school training.
About YIARI
Yayasan Inisiasi Alam Rehabilitasi Indonesia (YIARI) is a non-profit organisation working to conserve primates in Indonesia through rescue, rehabilitation, release and post-release monitoring. YIARI is also committed to protecting primates and their habitats through a holistic approach involving collaboration between multiple stakeholders, with the aim of creating a harmonious relationship between habitats, wildlife and people.
More from International Animal Rescue
- Beyond ‘Cute’ - How rescue and rehabilitation efforts of ‘cute’ slow loris are helping to reduce illegal wildlife trade
- World Wildlife Day Warning: as rescued baby bear Lissy sends a stark message about vigilance against the wildlife trafficking trade
- Baby sloth bear rescued from brutal ‘dancing’ Trade
- Sussex charity at the heart of orangutan surrogacy programme
- Shocking Reality Uncovered As International Animal Rescue Issues Emergency Appeal to Save Victims of Electrocution, Indonesian Slow Lorises
3 days ago