PROTECTED FOREST IN MT KLOTOK RAZED BY FIRE

Kediri, June 9 (ANTARA) - The protected forest in Mt Klotok, Kediri, Central Java, was razed by fire, which caused state forestry company (Perhutani) a loss of millions of rupiah. Assistant to the Head of the Perhutani Kediri offce Suharto said on Sunday that seven hectares of the protected forest were destroyed by the fire. "The fire broke out on Saturday night (June 7), and we are still trying to put out the flames," he told the press. "We are trying to put out the flames by buiding a ditch around the parts of the forest on fire, to prevent the flames from spreading. Some 25 of our men are helping put out the flames since last night," Suharto said. He suspected that a cigarette butt thrown to the ground by a tourist or any other person inadvertently had caused the fire. "Or it may also be caused by youngsters camping in the area and forgot to put out the flames of a fire they had built when they left," he added. - end.