Brunei Faces Hazy Air as Wildfires Burn Across Kalimantan

Brunei is experiencing hazy conditions as fires burn across Kalimantan, particularly in Indonesia’s Central and West Kalimantan provinces.

The haze followed a sharp rise in detected hotspots. The ASEAN Specialized Meteorological Center recorded 514 hotspots on August 27, 1,734 the next day and 1,180 on August 29. Southwesterly winds carried smoke from the main concentrations toward Brunei.

A joint statement from Brunei’s environment, health and meteorological authorities said air-quality readings in all four districts remained within the good-to-moderate range.

Indonesia reported a decline in hotspots in several locations. Central Kalimantan recorded 300 after more than 1,000 hotspots had been detected over two days, while West Kalimantan fell from 800 to 400. Riau reported no remaining hotspots. Indonesian authorities still warned that the danger persisted, especially in peatland areas where fires can smolder below ground. They said cooling and wetting must be repeated intensively to prevent embers from developing into new fires.