Illustrative photo · Riza Nugraha ? from Utrecht, The Netherlands / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0
Four people have died while battling a forest fire in Indonesia’s Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. Indonesia faces its worst forest fires in over a decade, according to the Forestry Ministry.
The victims were caught in the flames on Thursday, and while two others are seriously injured, they are receiving medical care. The fires have extended their reach beyond Indonesia, causing haze in neighboring countries, reports Al Jazeera citing Reuters.
The victims haven't been named, but the Forestry Ministry expressed condolences and acknowledged the bravery of those fighting the fires. They noted the risks involved and emphasized the need for safety measures, such as monitoring wind direction and planning evacuation routes.
Particularly hard-hit are the islands of Sumatra and Borneo, affecting areas near Singapore and Malaysia. The Ministry reported an increase in detected hotspots nationwide, with 799 spotted as of Thursday night.
President Prabowo Subianto has given the green light to accept international assistance, says Foreign Minister Arrmanatha Nasir. Malaysia had previously offered support, though details are yet to be finalized. Singapore has also indicated its readiness to help.
Indonesia has faced significant criticism due to the fires. The resulting haze has led to respiratory issues and school closures in Malaysia and East Timor.
