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Jokowi warns that forest fires are burning

This article is more than 12 months old

The fires are once again burning.

Indonesian president Joko Widodo tweeted on Tuesday (Jan 19) that the forest fires in his country are once again appearing.

 

 

Writing in Bahasa Indonesia, he urged everyone to take action so as to prevent the fires from spreading.

Forest fires in Indonesia have led to thick smoke blanketing the region, affecting Singapore and Malaysia. The resulting haze has been particularly bad in recent years, with record high levels of pollutants recorded in both Singapore and Malaysia.

While Mr Jokowi did not state where the fires were occurring, a map from Global Forest Watch indicate that there are some hotspots, mainly in East Kalimantan.

 

 

Global Forest Watch is an online forest monitoring and fire alert group that provides detailed maps and analysis of forest fires around the world.

At one point last year, scientists from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa) warned that 2015's outbreak could be the the worst in years.

In Sept 24, the 24-hour  PSI level in Singapore was in the "very unhealthy" range of 204-248.

The "very unhealthy" range is from 201-300 and the National Environment Agency (NEA) advises healthy persons to "avoid prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical exertion."

So will the haze make an early return in 2016?

Singaporeans are all wishing that those involved in the fires would heed their president's call.

Sources: Twitter, Global Forest Watch

 

 

HazeindonesiaMr Joko WidodoFiresocial media