Pekanbaru, Riau, (Antarariau.com) - Some 114 hotspots of forest and plantation fires were detected in Riau Province on Tuesday, an official said.
Haze enveloped Pekanbaru city and Pelalawan district, reducing the visibility to only one kilometer, Agus Wibowo, head of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) s Data and Information Division, said.
A total of 267 hotspots occurred across Sumatra Island, according to data of the Terra and Aqua satellite obtained from the meteorological, climatology and geophysics agency (BMKG).
Of the 267 hotspots, 114 were found in Riau s nine districts and cities, an increase from 51 hotspots emerging on Monday (Sept. 15).
In Riau, 38 hotspots were detected in Pelalawan district, 21 in Indragiri Hulu, 16 respectively in Indragiri Hilir and Singingi, 13 in Kampar, five in Bengkalis, two respectively in Rokan Hilir and Siak, and one in Meranti islands.
"The accuracy rate over 70 percent shows 45 hotspots," he said.
Many residents of Pekanbaru city wear masks when they have outdoor activities as haze has shrouded the city.
Indonesia is currently experiencing dry season that has partly triggered hotspots of forest and plantation fires in 15 provinces, including in Riau, South Sumatra, Central Kalimantan, West Kalimantan South Kalimantan and East Kalimantan.
114 Hotspots Detected In Riau
