Indonesia is facing a challenging fire season as drought conditions have ignited peatland fires that burn persistently on and beneath the surface. These slow-burning fires produce heavy smoke and significant pollution, creating hazardous skies and disrupting daily life for millions.
- Peat fires emit heavy pollution and are hard to extinguish.
- 2026 fire activity is rising similarly to the intense 2015 season.
- Satellite monitoring struggles with smoke and underground fire detection.
What happened
Indonesia is experiencing widespread peatland fires driven by an ongoing drought. These fires burn through dried wetland soils both on the surface and underground, which makes them especially persistent and difficult to put out. The MODIS instrument on NASA's Aqua satellite detected numerous fire hotspots on September 1, 2026, highlighting the escalating fire season.
Peatland fires produce significantly more pollution and greenhouse gases than typical tropical forest fires. The fires in 2026 have already released around 10 percent of the greenhouse gas emissions recorded in the extreme 2015 event, which lasted over three months and was exacerbated by a strong El Niño weather pattern reducing rainfall.
Why it feels good
Understanding the science behind these fires and their link to climate patterns like El Niño helps communities and governments anticipate and prepare for fire seasons. Satellite technologies from NASA and NOAA provide vital near-real-time fire monitoring, which supports response efforts and environmental management.
The increased attention to peat fires also raises awareness of the importance of peatland ecosystems and the need for sustainable land and water management. Learning from past fire seasons can drive innovations in early detection and peatland conservation strategies to reduce future fire risks.
What to enjoy or watch next
Follow updates from NASA, NOAA, and Indonesia’s fire-monitoring platforms like SiPongi to stay informed about fire activity and air quality in the region. As the rainy season approaches in October and November, watch for shifts in fire behavior and any progress toward extinguishing underground peat burns.
Keep an eye on new research and technological advances aimed at preventing peat fires and mitigating their impacts. Public awareness and scientific collaboration will play critical roles in protecting tropical peatlands and minimizing their contributions to climate change and air pollution.