Satellites detected nearly 10,000 potential fire hotspots across land managed by 53 members of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) in Malaysia and Indonesia during August, the organisation reported. A total of 9,841 possible fire-affected zones were identified, encompassing both RSPO-certified and non-certified areas disclosed by the members.

RSPO clarified that the number of satellite detections does not correspond directly to the number of actual fire events, as multiple detections can originate from a single fire, and some may be caused by factors other than fire. The organisation relies on on-the-ground verification by members and supplementary information to confirm whether a hotspot indicates a genuine fire and to determine its cause when possible.

The presence of a fire near or within plantation land does not necessarily imply that the landowner initiated the blaze or violated RSPO standards. Satellite hotspots may result from vegetation fires but can also be linked to industrial facilities or other heat-producing sources that are not fire-related.

RSPO maintains a strict prohibition on open burning for land preparation. When breaches of standards are established, penalties can range from corrective actions and formal warnings to certification suspension or termination of membership, depending on the severity of the violation. However, punishments are not imposed solely based on initial satellite reports or preliminary assessments.

The potential causes of detected fires identified during monitoring and dialogue with members are diverse. These include shifting cultivation practices, burning by local communities, hunting-related fires, fires spreading from adjacent areas, sabotage, arson, fire used as a wildlife deterrent, land encroachment or temporary occupation, and land preparation or new planting activities.

As of the August monitoring period, RSPO reported that no formal investigations had been initiated based on the satellite data collected. The organisation continues to emphasise cooperation with its members to verify and address fire-related issues in plantation areas.