Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 14 hrs ago
Indonesia Fires Drive Southeast Asia to Highest Haze Alert
Fires in Indonesia have sent thick smoke across Southeast Asia, including Singapore, Malaysia and East Timor.
The regional Asean weather and fire monitor issued its highest alert level because smoke has persisted, dry weather continues and winds are carrying haze to neighbouring countries.
El Niño is bringing hotter, drier conditions during the region’s dry season, making fires more likely to spread.
A World Meteorological Organization official said the haze could last weeks or months, until winds change and rain falls on burned areas.
Singapore recorded 13 consecutive days of unhealthy air, its longest uninterrupted stretch since the 2015 haze crisis.
Indonesia has tested releasing dry ice over South Sumatra to reduce haze and may use the method elsewhere if it works.
Singapore has offered Indonesia help with firefighting and cloud seeding, while the WMO official has urged Asean countries to coordinate firefighting resources and early warnings.
Indonesia plans to test releasing dry ice over South Sumatra to try to reduce thick haze from wildfires.
The first trial is to focus on the Palembang area, with 1.5 tons of dry ice prepared for release by Cessna aircraft.
The government says the method could be used in other areas if it proves effective.
The fires have sent haze across Southeast Asia, including to Singapore, Malaysia and East Timor.
Authorities have recorded more than 280,000 respiratory problems in haze-affected regions since August 18.
- Who
- The Indonesian government is conducting the trial. Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Dudung Abdurachma announced it.
- What
- Indonesia plans to release dry ice into the air to try to reduce wildfire haze.
- When
- The first trial was planned for Thursday, local time. The article was published on October 15, 2026.
- Where
- Over South Sumatra, focusing on the Palembang area.
- Why
- To help address the thick haze caused by intense fires.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The fires began burning in Indonesia.
Authorities recorded more than 280,000 respiratory problems in haze-affected regions.
A fire on Sumatra razed nearly 300 homes, forcing hundreds of people to evacuate.
East Timor began a three-day school closure because of the haze.
Indonesia planned its first dry-ice trial over the Palembang area in South Sumatra.
- Trial location
- Palembang area, South Sumatra
- Dry ice prepared
- 1.5 tons
- Trial aircraft
- Cessna
- Respiratory problems
- More than 280,000 recorded since August 18
- Affected countries
- Singapore, Malaysia, East Timor and the Philippines
20 sources
WMO Soroti Asap Karhutla RI Meluas ke Asia Tenggara, Bisa Bertahan Berbulan-bulan
Kabut Asap Menggila, ASEAN Umumkan Status Siaga Tertinggi
Pour chasser un brouillard toxique, l'Indonésie va utiliser une technique vieille de 80 ans: elle va bombarder le ciel de neige carbonique avec des avions
Le niveau d'alerte maximal déclenché dans une partie de l'Asie du Sud-Est à cause de fumées toxiques provoquées par des incendies
Asean climate monitor issues highest alert level over toxic haze
Asap Karhutla Tebal, Singapura Kini Tak Terlihat dari Batam
Indonesië strooit korrels droogijs uit vliegtuig tegen smog
Pemprov Sumsel Uji Coba 1,5 Ton Dry Ice untuk Atasi Kabut Asap Karhutla
Indonesia's skies turn apocalyptic orange as smoke blankets Singapore
Indonesia to deploy dry ice to reduce thick haze from fires
Indonesia blames peatland degradation for raging fires, vows restoration
Indonesië blust branden met droogijs na klachten buurlanden over giftige smog
Indonesia fights fire with dry ice as toxic haze spreads across region
Desperate to clear toxic haze, Indonesia to douse its skies with dry ice
Indonesia to Trial Dry Ice to Tackle Haze in South Sumatra
Indonesia adapts 1940s dry-ice technology in fight to clear haze
What people are saying
This dry-ice deployment trial is a direct instruction from the president to help address the haze in South Sumatra
We will first assess the results and, if effective, this method could potentially be implemented in other areas.