Probolinggo. A wildfire that has been burning around Mount Bromo in East Java for the past week has scorched approximately 520 hectares across several regencies, prompting authorities to completely close the popular tourist destination, Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni said on Sunday.

Firefighting operations continued from the ground and air as several hotspots remained active on Sunday afternoon. Three helicopters have been deployed for water-bombing operations in areas that are difficult for ground crews to reach.

Antoni said firefighting efforts would continue until all remaining fires were fully extinguished.

"We will continue water bombing until the fire is completely out. If weather conditions permit, a single helicopter can make up to 30 drops a day," Antoni said during a visit to the affected area.

The minister inspected the wildfire zone alongside Probolinggo Regent Muhammad Haris and monitored ongoing firefighting operations.

As of Sunday afternoon, fires were still burning in several locations, including Sumber district in Probolinggo Regency and around Mount Dingklik in Tosari district, Pasuruan Regency.

The difficult terrain has complicated ground operations, making aerial firefighting necessary in some areas.

Antoni said weather conditions would remain critical to the effectiveness of helicopter operations, which would be maximized whenever visibility and other conditions allowed.

Ground crews were also monitoring areas still producing smoke and extinguishing remaining embers to prevent the fire from flaring up again.

Authorities have completely closed all four access routes to the Mount Bromo area from Malang, Lumajang, Pasuruan and Probolinggo for an indefinite period.

The closure is intended to protect visitors while allowing firefighters to operate without disruption.

Authorities urged residents and tourists not to attempt to enter areas affected by the wildfire until officials declare them safe.

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