Summary

  • Wildfires have been burning throughout parts of Indonesia for weeks, sending smoke across the country and into neighbouring Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines

  • The smog, also known as the haze, has caused record levels of air pollution in Singapore as it kicks off the F1 Grand Prix race today

  • Authorities in several states across Malaysia have also ordered schools to shut

  • This year's wildfire season is one of Indonesia's worst in years, and is primarily caused by illegal slash-and-burn practices used by farmers and companies as a cheap method to clear vegetation

  • Between July and September, Indonesia's Health Ministry recorded nearly 175,000 cases of respiratory infections linked to fires. Experts say the "super" El Niño this year has exacerbated drought conditions

Live Reporting

Edited by Tessa Wong, with reporting from Kelly Ng and Julianna Khan in Singapore and Liza Tambunan and BBC Indonesia in Jakarta

  1. Schools closed in Malaysian state of Johor

    Just across the border in Malaysia, the state of Johor has shut all schools for two days due to worsening air quality.

    The schools have been closed since yesterday, with the air quality in the Johor town of Batu Pahat reaching "very unhealthy" levels earlier this week and registering the worst readings in the country this season.

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  2. Singapore air in the "unhealthy range"

    People walk along the boulevard at Marina Bay as buildings are seen shrouded with haze in Singapore on October 6, 2026.AFP via Getty Images

    The air in Singapore entered the "unhealthy range" at the start of September for the first time since 2023, Singapore's National Environment Agency said.

    The haze is a result of recent dry conditions in the region and hotspots over parts of Indonesia, the agency said.

    Since then, the local government has issued regular advisories, urging the public to stay hydrated and reduce outdoor activities.

    Schools have been told to reduce prolonged outdoor activities while some have also been supplied with air purifiers to use in the classroom.

  3. How toxic smog from wildfires is making Indonesians sick

    Wildfires raging in Indonesia have produced toxic smog, causing tens of thousands of people to suffer respiratory illnesses since August.

    The air quality in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore has reached unhealthy levels as a result of the toxic haze.

    The BBC's Liza Tambunan explains the effects of the wildfires and how Indonesia is attempting to tackle them.

    Toxic smog makes thousands sick as Indonesia wildfires rage

  4. What's causing the haze?

    Indonesian firefighters work to extinguish wildfires near a residential area in the Sematang Borang district of Palembang, South Sumatra, Indonesia, on October 1, 2026NurPhoto via Getty Images

    Firefighters in battle the blaze in Sumatra, Indonesia

    Every year Indonesia sees wildfires primarily caused by illegal slash-and-burn practices, which are used by farmers and companies as a cheap method to clear vegetation.

    But recent dry weather caused by a "super El Niño" has exacerbated the problem, particularly in parts of Indonesia's Sumatra and Kalimantan, resulting in a widespread haze that winds have carried across the region.

    The wildfires are some of the worst Indonesia has battled in over a decade, covering parts of the country in a thick smog.

    Local authorities have warned that the wildfires could carry on until early November due to a delayed rainy season.

  5. Welcome to our live coverage

    Welcome to our live coverage of the toxic haze from Indonesian wildfires, which has blanketed neighbouring Singapore as well as Malaysia, the Philippines and large parts of Indonesia itself.

    The smog has intensified over the past week here in Singapore, just as the city welcomes thousands of visitors for the F1 grand prix, which kicks off today.

    Stay with us as we bring you updates from the region.