Haze hits Singapore as hot spots in Indonesia's Sumatra increase; Jokowi urges govt to put out fires immediately (update)

In this photo released by Banjarmasin Disaster Management Agency, officials of the agency attempt to extinguish a fire that razes through a land in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, Indonesia, Friday, Oct. 6, 2023. Indonesia denied Friday that forest and peat fires on Sumatra and Borneo islands were causing the haze in Malaysia, after the neighboring government sent a letter complaining about the air quality and asking to work together to deal with the fires. - AP

SINGAPORE/JAKARTA (Reuters): Singapore's air quality fell into the unhealthy range on Saturday, official readings showed, as increased forest fires from neighbouring Indonesia brought haze to the city-state.

At 2 p.m. (0600 GMT), the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index readings in the eastern and central part of Singapore was above 100, levels at which people are advised to reduce prolonged strenuous outdoor activities.