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Forest fires

Tsunami survivor battles wildfire to protect hometown in Japan’s north-east

Volunteer firefighter Ryota Haga prepares to connect fire hoses to battle a wildfire in Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, Japan, April 26, 2026. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon
Volunteer firefighter Ryota Haga prepares to connect fire hoses to battle a wildfire in Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, Japan, April 26, 2026. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon

Japan deploys 1,400 firefighters to battle raging wildfires in the north

A firefighter works as wildfires continue in Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, Japan, April 26, 2026. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon
A firefighter works as wildfires continue in Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, Japan, April 26, 2026. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon

Indonesia’s firefighters braced for a dry year – and they are short of cash

Officials in charge of forest and land firefighting are already requesting additional funds from their respective provincial coffers
Officials in charge of forest and land firefighting are already requesting additional funds from their respective provincial coffers

Northern Japan wildfires prompt mass evacuations as flames spread

Smoke blankets mountainous areas of Otsuchi in Iwate Prefecture, Japan, on April 24, 2026, as wildfires continue, following their outbreak at two locations in northeastern Japan two days ago, in this photo taken by Kyodo. Mandatory credit Kyodo/via REUTERS
Smoke blankets mountainous areas of Otsuchi in Iwate Prefecture, Japan, on April 24, 2026, as wildfires continue, following their outbreak at two locations in northeastern Japan two days ago, in this photo taken by Kyodo. Mandatory credit Kyodo/via REUTERS

Thailand closes high-risk forests nationwide to fight wildfires and haze

Under the new measures, outsiders will be strictly barred from entering some areas in order to reduce the risk of human-caused fires.
Under the new measures, outsiders will be strictly barred from entering some areas in order to reduce the risk of human-caused fires.

Deforestation surge, El Nino raise fears of repeat of Indonesia’s 2015 haze crisis

This handout photo taken in Merauke regency, South Papua, on March 17, 2025 and released by Mighty Earth shows a deforested area that will be converted into a sugar cane plantation.
This handout photo taken in Merauke regency, South Papua, on March 17, 2025 and released by Mighty Earth shows a deforested area that will be converted into a sugar cane plantation.

Fire hot spots and scant rain raise haze alarm in South-east Asia

Firefighters work to extinguish a wildfire burning on peatland in Rimba Panjang, Riau province in Indonesia.
Firefighters work to extinguish a wildfire burning on peatland in Rimba Panjang, Riau province in Indonesia.

Thailand closes parks with high fire risk, warns of 20 years jail for those who burn illegally

Anyone found setting fire to forests in national parks or wildlife sanctuary areas faces jail terms of between four and 20 years, fines ranging from 400,000 baht to 2 million baht, or both.
Anyone found setting fire to forests in national parks or wildlife sanctuary areas faces jail terms of between four and 20 years, fines ranging from 400,000 baht to 2 million baht, or both.

Tech-equipped Indigenous firefighters protect Thai forests

Volunteer firefighters from Hmong Doi Pui village using leaf blowers to clear a firebreak in the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park area of Chiang Mai on March 16.
Volunteer firefighters from Hmong Doi Pui village using leaf blowers to clear a firebreak in the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park area of Chiang Mai on March 16.

Indonesia’s Bintan declares forest fire emergency, Dumai blanketed in smoke

Smoke is seen billowing in the background while grass dries out at a forest and land fire location in Berakit village in Bintan Regency, Riau Islands.
Smoke is seen billowing in the background while grass dries out at a forest and land fire location in Berakit village in Bintan Regency, Riau Islands.

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MDDI (P) 046/10/2025. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No.202120748H. Copyright © 2026 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.