Malang, East Java, Aug. 27 -- All 170 hikers stranded on Mount Semeru in East Java have been safely evacuated after a forest fire broke out near the volcano's primary trekking route, local authorities confirmed Thursday.

The blaze, located in the mountain's Ranu Kembang area, prompted the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park (TNBTS) Office to immediately close all hiking trails until further notice.

Endrip Wahyutama, head of public relations for the national park, confirmed that all registered climbers have descended the mountain.

The group had been camping at Ranu Kumbolo-the sole designated campsite on Semeru-when the fire began.

Local park rangers alongside certified local guides were deployed along the trail to assist hikers during ...