Banda Aceh, Aceh (ANTARA News) - West Aceh District of Aceh Province is shrouded in smoke after peatlands in the region caught fire due to illegal land clearing by burning.

Head of Emergency Department of West Aceh Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency Dedek Risman said in Meulaboh on Monday that the agency does not have sufficient tools to extinguish the fire.

"We want to put off the fire; however, we do not have the necessary equipment. It is an emergency; the smoke has blanketed some areas," added Risman.

Hotspots have been detected over Suak Nie, Suak Raya, Kejun Bang, Ujong Peranto, and Johan Pahlawan sub-district and the fire has the potential to reach Bubon sub-district.

Peatland fire in West Aceh is seasonal, especially in dry season, when people clear land for agriculture by burning.

Meanwhile, local residents are affected by the smoke that is polluting the air.

"It`s cold at night but the air we breathe feels burning (hot), and it causes asphyxiation. It fills up our houses too," said a resident of Kawai XVI sub-district, Hamdani.

The peatland fire has covered Meulaboh in orange smoke, similar to the occurrences in early 2012.

Editor: Jafar M Sidik

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