Kompas, 24 July 2018
The number of firespots in Sumatra has increased as the weather is getting hotter and drier. The government has intensified forest and land fires anticipatory measures to prevent haze from appearing and threatening the upcoming Asian Games in South Sumatra. Environment and Forestry Minister Siti Nurbaya Bakar reminded all stakeholders to stay alert as hotspots are escalating. Since January 2018, fires has affected 422.04 hectares in West Kalimantan, with only 113.07 hectares of them have been entirely put out. The number of hotspots in South Sumatra also increased from 52 in June to 122 in July. Yesterday (July 23), a total of 20 fires occurred in Ogan Komering Ilir, Ogan Ilir, Muara Enim, Musi Rawas, and Ogan Komering Ulu. South Sumatra Governor Alex Noerdin said that land fires are inevitable. The extreme hot weather increases the risk of fire occurrence in the province. Peatlands are very prone to fires, a little friction could trigger fires, he said.