Tuesday, November 11, 2008

MEASURING FIRE DANGER RATING WITH SIMPLE METHOD

by Laela Qodariah

Randublatung forest management unit (FMU) are currently beginning apply forest fire management including preventive, extinguishing and corrective action after forest fire occur. Preventive means started from preparing human resources skilled, early warning system and supported by firing extinguishing equipment.

Preparing human resources skilled by formation of forest fire ranger/fireman with involve forest community and boy scouts (saka wana bhakti) that given training how to extinguish fire. This activity in collaboration with forestry government from Central Java province was held in 13-14th May 2008.

Picture 1 Extinguishing fire training

Beside that, Randublatung FMU attempt applying of early warning system. The early warning system implemented by giving information of fire danger rating (FDR) to forest community and other stakeholders. FDR determinable with simple method, i.e. measure of temperature, humidity and rainfall. To forest fire ranger purchasing in measuring of FDR, Randublatung FMU given training FDR measuring with simple method that was held in 3rd July 2008. Temperature measure used thermometer and humidity measure used hygrometer, meanwhile rainfall measure used rain gauge type of observatory.

Picture 2 Training fire danger rating measurement

Temperature and humidity measured everyday at 12.00 am and furthermore data analyze with mathematic formula (with excel assistance) to get FDR, whether low, high or extreme. This FDR then inform to forest stakeholders by put in forest fire early warning board that there are in forest area.

Picture 3 Forest fire danger rating board as early warning system

(catatan : lagi latihan nih buat artikel dalam bahasa Inggris..)