26 Oct 2015

Efforts to halt West Papuan fires

11:09 am on 26 October 2015

Authorities in Indonesia's Papua region are taking measures to try and control dozens of forest fires that burning across the western half of New Guina island.

Tabloid Jubi reports that large fires are burning in the South Sorong, Fakfak, Mimika and Merauke regions.

Thick smog from the fires has blanketed much of Papua, forcing some airports to close, and people have been advised to wear face masks as a result of the air pollution.

Forest fires are burning across much of Indonesia, with haze from them spreading across to Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and as far east as Guam.

A resident fishes by the river in Palangkaraya city, Indonesia, one of worst-hit by haze in central Kalimantan province.

Smoke from Indonesian fires troubles Southeast Asia Photo: AFP