Indonesia wildfires have burned nearly 2 million hectares in its worst season in a decade

Summary

Fires in Indonesia have burned more than 1.9 million hectares (4.7 million acres) between January and the end of September, according to a monitor analyzing satellite imagery that Phys.org cited. France 24 reports the country is battling its worst wildfire season in a decade, with toxic smoke spreading across much of Southeast Asia, forcing schools to close and fuelling a rise in respiratory illnesses.

Timeline

1. Phys.org

   19 Oct 2026, 13:29 UTCSource ↗

   Phys.org reports that fires in Indonesia, which have caused a regional haze crisis, burned over 1.9 million hectares (4.7 million acres) from January to the end of September, according to a monitor analyzing satellite imagery that it said on Monday.

2. France 24

   20 Oct 2026, 10:23 UTCSource ↗

   France 24 reports that Indonesia's fires have burned more than 1.9 million hectares during its worst wildfire season in a decade, with toxic smoke across much of Southeast Asia forcing schools to close and fuelling a rise in respiratory illnesses.