AMLAPURA ~ A smoldering fire in the forest surrounding Mount Agung is becoming worse, a member of the Assembly of Karangasem said this week.

Deputy chairman IGB Karyawan said the famous Besakih temples at the foot of Bali’s highest peak could be damaged by the encroaching flames, and asked the Forestry Department and the Community Protection Office of Karangasem Police to extinguish it as soon as possible.

Karyawan said he did not feel enough had been done to put the fire out.

It is predicted that many hectares of forest have already been destroyed by the fire, especially on the east side of the mountain, which is mainly brushwood and dry reeds.

It was not known what started the blaze.

Meanwhile, officials in Karangasem did not appear sure which department was dealing with the problem.

Karangasem government spokesman Nyoman Wage said the government had asked the departments in charge for their plan of action and planned to borrow a helicopter from Bali Police to monitor the fire.