'Never-ending’: Relentless wildfires push Sumatra’s firefighters to their limits
Wildfires in Indonesia have caused transboundary haze and disrupted livelihoods in Sumatra. In the second of a series, CNA meets the firefighters enduring choking smoke, sleepless nights and scarce water - and finds out what keeps them going.
Indonesia's firefighters face relentless wildfires, pushing them to their limits. Ogan Ilir, South Sumatra, is a battleground for 2,000 firefighters from Indonesia's Ministry of Forestry. They respond to two or three calls daily, often working until midnight. The scale of the blazes has been alarming, with more than 200,000 hectares burned in the first seven months of 2026, a 69% increase compared to the same period last year.
Scientists predict this year's fires could be even more extensive. The "Godzilla" El Nino has exacerbated the situation, bringing extreme heat, prolonged drought, and heightened fire risks. Four firefighters have died this year, and the heat and smoke are taking a toll on the firefighters' health. With dwindling water sources, the firefighting efforts are becoming increasingly challenging.
Despite the difficulties, the firefighters remain determined to combat the fires, even as they know they may face more challenges ahead.
Written by urgent.news from Channel News Asia's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
