Why is peat prone to forest and land fires?

Peatland, or “lahan gambut,” are a unique type of wetland with distinctive characteristics that make them highly prone to forest and land fires, especially during the dry season. Despite being crucial ecosystems for carbon storage, peatland often become fire hotspots in many tropical regions especially Indonesia.

Peatlands are formed from the accumulation of partially decomposed organic material, especially plants, down to the surface. This process takes thousands of years and creates layers of waterlogged, spongy soil that can be several meters thick.

The decomposed plants are flammable because it is rich in carbon. This makes peat have a unique ability to burn below the surface. Once ignited, a peat fire can smolder underground for weeks or months, making it difficult to extinguish. This characteristic allows fires to reignite, even after rain, and can cause widespread environmental damage.

Peatlands are highly prone to fires during the dry season. Peat absorbs and holds water to its full potential resembles a sponge. Normally, the high water content of peat keeps it cool and moist. However, during dry seasons or intentional drainage, the water table in peatlands drops, leaving the surface exposed and dry. This creates the perfect conditions for fires to start, whether through human activities or natural causes such as lightning.

Despite its vulnerability, Peatland became one of the world’s most efficient carbon sinks. They store vast amounts of carbon in the form of organic material, much more than other types of soil. This ability makes them important against climate change, as they help absorb atmospheric carbon. Therefore, protecting and managing peatland is very important to reduce the risk of forest and land fires and maintain its role in mitigating climate change.

Source:https://ppid.menlhk.go.id/siaran_pers/browse/777
https://pantaugambut.id/pelajari/rentan-terbakar
https://www.mongabay.co.id/2015/12/17/gambut-yang-gampang-terbakar-mengapa/