Sumatra firefighters battle relentless wildfires amid water shortages and extreme heat
Indonesia’s Sumatra region faces months-long wildfires that have pushed the Ministry of Forestry’s 2,000-strong firefighting force to work near-continuous shifts amid scarce water and soaring temperatures.
Firefighters across Sumatra are enduring an unprecedented wildfire season, with the Ministry of Forestry’s 2,000 personnel handling two to three incidents each day and often sleeping in makeshift forest outposts. From January to July, more than 200,000 ha burned, a rise of 69 % over the previous year, while scientists warn that August and September could add even more area. Extreme heat above 38 °C and months without rain have dried peatlands, allowing fires to smoulder underground for weeks.
Water scarcity has left crews unable to locate sources, sometimes forcing them to stand by as flames continue. The state has sent 53 water-bombing helicopters and received additional aircraft from eight neighboring countries, yet limited visibility and the sheer size of the blazes reduce their effectiveness. Ground crews remain the primary line of defense as the dry season persists into October.
Why it matters
The ongoing fires threaten regional air quality, livelihoods and cross-border haze, highlighting climate and resource challenges.
How this story developed
- Sep 14 Kalimantan haze forces delays for 73 flights at Supadio Airport
- Sep 14 The Italian-built carrier Garibaldi is sailing toward Jakarta and will be met by Indonesian Navy frigates and aircraft as it enters national waters.
- Sep 17 Indonesia broadened its wildfire‑containment operations to additional provinces and national parks.
- Sep 18 The formal handover from Italy is set for Sept. 24, after which retrofitting will begin.
In this story
Related stories
17 in this thread