ASEAN Secretariat - The report is compiled by the ASEAN Secretariat based on feedback from relevant ASEAN Member Countries and will be updated on a regular basis.


Report of Current Situation

Hotspots were observed in Myanmar, Thailand, Lao PDR, Viet Nam and Cambodia. Some hotspots were also observed in northern and central parts of Sumatra and in Peninsular Malaysia.

In Brunei Darussalam, during the period of 13 - 19 February 2006, four (4) incidences of forest and short lived bush fires were reported, affecting 0.30 hectares of land. The air quality was within good range (4-16).

In Cambodia, during the period of 13 - 19 February 2006, NOAA 12 detected 8, 112, 64, 9, 10, 42 and 98 hotspots, respectively.

In Indonesia, although the number of hotspots has already reduced, some hotspots were still detected in Sumatra, particularly in Riau Province, mostly in the Districts of Indragiri Hilir, Pelalawan, Dumai and Bengkalis. The numbers of hotspot in Sumatra during the period of 13 - 19 February 2006 were 3, 14, 3, 0, 22, 30 and 4 respectively. The ASMC reported that hotspots were also observed in Kalimantan, particularly in West and Central Kalimantan provinces, on 14, 18 and 19 February 2006 (i.e. 8, 5 and 23 hotspots, respectively). In West Kalimantan Province, most hotspots were detected in Pontianak and Sintang districts, while in Central Kalimantan Province most hotspots were detected in Kotawaringin Timur District. The visibility of Pekanbaru, the capital city of Riau Province, was within 5-6 km. The Indonesian National Institute of Aeronautics and Space (LAPAN) predicted that showers are likely in Sumatra, particularly over Jambi, South Sumatra and Lampung provinces.

In Lao PDR, during the period of 13 - 19 February 2006, NOAA 12 detected 1, 36, 46, 7, 5, 7 and 25 hotspots, respectively.

In Malaysia, on 19 February 2006, NOAA 16 detected 10 hotspots in Peninsular Malaysia scattered in the States of Kedah, Pahang, Melaka and Negeri Sembilan. NOAA 12 detected 5 hotspots in the State of Sarawak. The air quality status in Malaysia recorded for last week was within good to moderate range. As of 11.00 am today (20 February 2006), 44 stations recorded good air quality status and 6 stations recorded moderate air quality status. None of the stations recorded unhealthy status. The visibility in most areas in Malaysia was also within good range, with readings of more than 10 km. No major fire incidents were detected so far.

In Myanmar, during the period of 13 - 18 February 2006, NOAA 12 detected 148, 44, 13, 27, 158, and 59 hotspots, respectively.

In Philippines, NOAA 12 detected 3, 10 and 15 hotspots on 13, 16 and 17 February 2006, respectively.

No fires were detected in Singapore. The air quality was within good range (24). Visibility in both Changi Airport and Selatar Airport was 10km. Showers are likely in the next few days.

In Thailand, during the period of 13 - 19 February 2006, NOAA 12 detected 44, 84, 70, 10, 43, 127, and 35 hotspots, respectively.

In Viet Nam, NOAA 12 detected 0, 23, 82, 8, 7, 33 and 73 hotspots in Viet Nam during the period of 13 - 19 February 2006. The suppression of forest fire in Kon Tum Province of the Tay Nguyen area is still being conducted. As reported by the Forestry Protection Department, a total of 6 ha of the pine forest were burned.

All fine fuels will easily ignite, potentially resulting in many fires in most parts of Peninsular Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Lao PDR and the southern parts of Philippines. Some fine fuels may also ignite in the southern parts of Sumatra. Some fine fuels may also ignite in Tay Nguyen area, as well as in the north and south parts of Viet Nam, while moderate level of ignition potential were detected in the middle parts of the country.

In mixed fuels, severe drought conditions and high-intensify fires can occur in parts of Thailand, and in the southern part of Viet Nam. Moderate intensity fires can occur in parts of Lao PDR. Moderate intensify fires can also occur in the north and middle parts of Viet Nam, while high-intensify fires may also occur in Tay Nguyen area.

Peat areas will produce widespread and severe haze from deep and long-burning fires in Thailand, Lao PDR, and parts of Viet Nam. Drought conditions in peat areas and high-intensity fires are possible in the southern parts and Tay Nguyen area of Viet Nam. Smouldering in drained peat areas is possible in Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, and Borneo. Moderate General Fire Danger index were reported in the north and middle parts of Viet Nam.


Resources Mobilised and Actions Taken

Department of Environment Parks and Recreation of Brunei Darussalam continues to monitor the air quality. Fire Services Department of Brunei Darussalam also continues to conduct air and ground surveillance to monitor fire incidence. Department of Civil Aviation of Brunei Darussalam continues to provide information on weather situation.

The Indonesian National Institute of Aeronautics and Space (LAPAN) continue to provide information on weather situation and fire danger information.

The public of Malaysia can submit their open burning complaints to Department of Environment (DoE) through toll free - JASLINE (1-800-88-2727). Aerial and ground surveillance to curb open burning activities in Malaysia continue to be implemented throughout the country and all hotspot detected will be verified accordingly. The Air Division of DoE and the Central Forecast Office of Malaysia Meteorological Department (MMD) continue to remain vigilance and monitor the API readings and the weather conditions.

In Singapore, Members of the inter-agency Haze Task Force have updated their respective Haze SOPs. The Haze Task Force conducted a sharing session on 19 January 2006 for members to share their SOPs.

In Viet Nam, a total of 100 personnel have been deployed to fight the fires in Kon Tum Province, consist of forest rangers, the army and local people.