Four people died while fighting wildfires on Indonesia’s Java island, as the blazes continued to spread toxic haze across Southeast Asia, prompting authorities to respond to mounting health and environmental concerns. The fatalities occurred on Thursday in East Java's Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, where firefighters battled the intense blazes, according to Indonesia’s forestry ministry. Two additional firefighters sustained serious burns and are receiving medical treatment.
The fires, which have persisted for several months, have severely impacted air quality across the region. Singapore and Kuala Lumpur have repeatedly ranked among the most polluted major cities globally, according to IQAir’s real-time air quality index, with Singapore registering readings reaching the "very unhealthy" zone on Friday. Kuala Lumpur was ranked second, and Jakarta came eighth.
Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced plans to pursue legal action against companies responsible for the fires under the country’s Transboundary Haze Pollution Act, which enables authorities to take action against companies whose activities abroad contribute to hazardous haze levels within Singapore. Wong also expressed a willingness to explore coordinated efforts with neighboring countries to address the underlying causes of the haze. However, legal experts have noted challenges in holding companies accountable due to the need for cooperation from foreign authorities. Singapore has investigated several Indonesian companies previously implicated in haze episodes, notably the 2015 crisis, although these inquiries remain open.
Indonesia’s national police investigation agency is conducting its own probe into the companies responsible for the fires but has not disclosed any specifics publicly.
Experts attribute the severity of this year’s wildfires partly to a strong El Niño event causing drought conditions, which have exacerbated the spread of fire. Additionally, deforestation and the drying out of peatlands—terrain that is normally resistant to burning—have contributed to the intensity and persistence of the blazes. According to Indonesia’s forestry department, a significant increase in "hotspots"—areas identified via satellite as having elevated temperatures indicative of fire activity—has been detected across six priority provinces, with 615 hotspots reported recently.
The widespread haze has led to respiratory issues among residents, school closures, and disruptions in daily life. In Indonesia’s Palangkaraya, air pollution reached the hazardous zone with levels above 300 on the IQAir scale. Despite the poor air quality, many residents continued their routines without face masks, although some reported reduced market attendance due to health concerns.
The haze has also impacted regional aviation in Indonesia. Since the onset of haze conditions in mid-August, more than 2,000 flights have been disrupted, including cancellations, delays, and diversions, according to the country’s civil aviation chief Lukman F Laisa.
Singapore’s government has acknowledged limits in controlling weather patterns and cross-border pollution but emphasized its commitment to protecting public health and collaborating regionally. The forestry ministry in Indonesia highlighted the risks faced by firefighting personnel and reiterated the priority of their safety amid ongoing efforts to contain the fires.