Brief
Four firefighters die as Indonesia confronts worst forest fires in a decade
Four firefighters died and two were seriously burned while battling a blaze in Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, prompting Jakarta to seek regional assistance.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Four people tackling a wildfire in Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park in East Java were killed on Thursday, the Forestry Ministry said, while two others suffered serious burns.
The ministry reported that satellite monitoring detected 799 high‑confidence hotspots nationwide on Thursday night, up 427 from the previous day, and warned that hotspots are not the same as active fires.
President Prabowo Subianto has approved accepting help from neighbouring countries, with Malaysia offering three helicopters, an aircraft and 52 personnel, and Singapore saying it is ready to assist, according to Reuters.
Indonesia’s haze has spread to Sumatra, Borneo, Malaysia and East Timor, causing respiratory problems and school closures, the ministry added.
Key facts
- Four people died fighting a wildfire in Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, East Java. (aljazeera.com)
- Satellite data showed 799 high‑confidence hotspots nationwide, up 427 from the day before. (aljazeera.com)
- President Prabowo Subianto approved accepting foreign assistance; Malaysia offered helicopters and personnel, Singapore also offered help. (aljazeera.com)
- The fires have created haze affecting Sumatra, Borneo, Malaysia and East Timor, causing health issues and school closures. (aljazeera.com)
Sources
- [1] aljazeera.com — originally reported as “Four killed as Indonesia battles worst forest fires in more than a decade”
