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Wildfires threaten Rangkong station as El Niño drives blaze

By Drooid · Sep 15, 2026, 11:14 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Researchers at Gunung Palung National Park are fighting wildfires threatening the Rangkong research station.
Fires are now within 200 metres of Rangkong and could reach Cabang Panti in 20 days.
El Niño caused extreme heat and months of no rain, intensifying the blaze.
Over 40 field staff and villagers built a firebreak and hose-sprinkler system around the station.
Deputy director Caitlin O’Connell says large-scale aerial water drops and professional firefighters are required.

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Story summary

Researchers at Gunung Palung National Park are fighting wildfires threatening the Rangkong research station.
Fires are now within 200 metres of Rangkong and could reach Cabang Panti in 20 days.
El Niño caused extreme heat and months of no rain, intensifying the blaze.
Over 40 field staff and villagers built a firebreak and hose-sprinkler system around the station.
Deputy director Caitlin O’Connell says large-scale aerial water drops and professional firefighters are required.