Jambi, Sept. 15 -- Jambi's forest and land fire task force will deploy heavy equipment to open access to fire-hit areas inside Berbak National Park in East Tanjung Jabung District, Governor Al Haris said here Tuesday.

"At today's meeting, we asked the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs and the Forestry Minister to allow access for heavy equipment. This is a disaster, so it is permitted," Al Haris said.

After obtaining permission from the Forestry Ministry on Tuesday, the fire task force began moving heavy equipment toward fire hotspots in Berbak National Park's core zone, Al Haris said.

The move was deemed urgent as fires have worsened and access must be opened to help contain their spread, he said.

With l...