Forest fire management in Komodo National Park

Komodo National Park is designated as a World Heritage Site. Located in one of the driest parts of Indonesia, it has a dry season lasting 9 months of the year and low rainfall (500 mm/year). Seventy per cent of the area is grassland. Fire frequently occurs in the area, started for agricultural purposes to improve grazing and drive out game. Natural fire, usually caused by lightning, is rare. While fire is important to maintain grassland for rusa deer and other browsers, uncontrolled fires cause great destruction. This paper describes the challenges faced by park management in dealing with uncontrolled fire, taking account of untrained fire fighters, insufficient tools and equipment and the difficult terrain.