Fire Management
We believe that forests are natural resources that have ecological, social and cultural functions necessary to support the lives of humans and other living creatures. Therefore, PT Toba Pulp Lestari, Tbk needs to control significant impacts and/or environmental pollution, one of the causes of which is forest burning.
In line with our policy vision of sustainable plantation management, we apply the principle of a zero tolerance approach to forest burning for land clearing. We do not purchase wood from suppliers who engage in illegal burning.
Fire Prevention: Good Fire Management Starts with Fire Prevention
Several programs that PT TPL has implemented to prevent fires include:
1. Fire Risk Assessment
2. No Burn Policy
3. Training, Awareness and Simulation of Forest and Forestry
4. Early Detection (hotspot monitoring, Fire Danger Rating (FDR), fire tower monitoring, drone monitoring)
5. Formation of a Fire Care Community
6. Fire Patrol
TPL also has cooperation with local governments in preventing forest fires. Since 2019, Brigdalkarhutla has been training the core team in collaboration with the Pematang Siantar Environment and Forestry Training Center.
Fire Care Society (FCS)
In managing fire-free handling, PT TPL established the Fire Care Society program with the aim of strengthening community independence and capacity in supporting efforts to control forest and land fires around concessions and within the community environment. This is due to the numerous fire incidents occurring around village areas without known causes, as well as the village community’s desire to address land fires to prevent damage or environmental hazards.
When was the FCS formed/founded?
- The Aek Nauli Sector FCS was formed in 2015
- The Habinsaran Sector FCS was formed in 2015
- The Aek Raja Sector FCS was formed in 2017
- The Tele Sector FCS was formed in 2017
- The Padangsidimpuan Sector FCS was formed in 2018
What are the duties and commitments of the FCS?
- Cooperate with companies and government institutions in carrying out efforts to prevent and control forest and land fires in accordance with the mandate of Law No. 32 of 2009 concerning Environmental Protection and Management
- Extinguish forest and land fires in villages and community property with a mutually determined agreement
- Take part in the training/development of MPA technical capabilities that have been formed
Here are some of the FCS numbers that have been established around the company’s operations.
| Estate | Number of FCs | Number of People |
|---|---|---|
| AEN | 1 | 26 |
| AER | 1 | 15 |
| TEL | 1 | 15 |
| HAB | 1 | 25 |
| TAS | 1 | 15 |
The establishment of the FCS was carried out by PT TPL in collaboration with the Director General of PPI and has been ratified by the sub-district head and village officials, and it has an MoU regarding the formation of the FCS.
Fire Detection: Strict Detection And Early Warning System
We recognize the need for a fire detection and early warning system to ensure that fire spots do not grow larger and that extinguishing efforts can be carried out as quickly as possible to minimize losses from the outset.
Some of the measures taken by PT TPL include:
| Form/System of Patrols carried out | Time | Number of People |
|---|---|---|
| Land patrol with motorbikes, patrol cars | 13:00 WIB – 16:00 WIB (FDR LOW) | 2 |
| Land and Air Patrols Using Drones | 12:00 WIB – 17:00 WIB ( FDR MEDIUM) | 4-5 |
| Land, air and Joint MPA, Security patrols | 09:00 WIB – 20:00 WIB (FDR HIGH) | 5-15 |
| Land, Air Patrol and involving all core teams and support teams | 08:00 WIB – 20:00 WIB (FDR EXTREME) | 15-22 |
In addition to patrol efforts, the standby team also monitors weather conditions online every day using the Automatic Weather System (AWS) at 6 locations (Aek Nauli, Habinsaran, Aek Raja, Tele, Padangsidimpuan, and Porsea Sectors) with established indicators such as Rainfall, Humidity, Temperature, and Wind Speed.
Fire Fighting: Rapid Response and Aggressive Extinguishing
Equipment for Fire Prevention/Fighting
The fire fighting program utilizes a range of equipment for effective fire prevention and suppression. The following details outline the number and types of equipment used, as well as key financial information related to investment and operations.
Investment in Firefighting Equipment
- Total Cost Investment:
The total investment in firefighting equipment amounts to 11,005,675,000 IDR (approximately 631,381 USD). This covers the procurement of necessary tools, machinery, and supplies essential for effective fire fighting operations. - Annual Operating Costs:
The annual operating costs for maintaining a core firefighting team are estimated at 131,000,000 IDR. This amount is required for salaries, maintenance, and other operational expenses related to team readiness. - Replacement Costs for Equipment:
Currently, there are no costs for replacing hoses and pumps, as replacements have not yet been necessary.
Training of Firefighting Personnel
Training is an integral part of maintaining a highly capable fire fighting team. Several training programs have been conducted to enhance the skills of the firefighting personnel. Below are the details of the training programs and participation:
- Training of Core Team (Brigdalkarhutla):
A total of 187 participants underwent training for the core firefighting team. The training is held quarterly, and certificates are issued to participants after each session. - Class D Firefighter Role Officer Training:
12 participants took part in the Class D Firefighter Role Officer training, which is conducted quarterly, and certificates are also provided to those completing the training. - Class C Fire Fighting Team Training:
A smaller group of 5 participants underwent training for the Class C Fire Fighting Team, which is also conducted quarterly, with certificates awarded upon completion.
These training efforts are essential for ensuring that the firefighting team remains well-prepared and capable of responding rapidly and effectively to emergencies.