What’s causing the haze?published at 01:43 BST

01:43 BST

Indonesian firefighters work to extinguish wildfires near a residential area in the Sematang Borang district of Palembang, South Sumatra, Indonesia, on October 1, 2026Image source, NurPhoto via Getty ImagesImage caption,

Firefighters in battle the blaze in Sumatra, Indonesia

Every year Indonesia sees wildfires primarily caused by illegal slash-and-burn practices, which are used by farmers and companies as a cheap method to clear vegetation.

But recent dry weather caused by a “super El Niño” has exacerbated the problem, particularly in parts of Indonesia’s Sumatra and Kalimantan, resulting in a widespread haze that winds have carried across the region.

The wildfires are some of the worst Indonesia has battled in over a decade, covering parts of the country in a thick smog.

Local authorities have warned that the wildfires could carry on until early November due to a delayed rainy season.