Ecowatch: Early warning systems for fire are not enough

An excavator digging boundary trenches to prevent flames from spreading in the Tumbang Nusa area of Pulang Pisau, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia, on Aug 30, 2026. Indonesia has intensified efforts to fight wildfires with cloud seeding and water bombing as thousands of people countrywide battle to breathe in the smoke and haze, officials said on Aug 28. — AFP

EARLY warning systems are only effective when they are linked to resources and effective action on the ground because a warning alone cannot prevent a fire, says Global Environment Centre (GEC)’s peatland programme manager Serena Lew Siew Yan.

“Better prediction can certainly help, but it is not the only factor in reducing peatland fires and haze.