Indonesia wildfires destroy hundreds of homes in Bangka Belitung

Wildfires in Indonesia’s Bangka Belitung province have destroyed approximately 300 homes and forced hundreds of residents to evacuate. The blazes, which began in Serdang village, were fueled by strong winds and spread rapidly into residential areas built on former peatland.

Local officials report that the fires were intensified by the El Niño weather phenomenon, which has contributed to some of the most intense wildfire seasons in recent years. The combination of peatland terrain, limited water supplies, and the use of wood in local housing construction has complicated containment efforts. While no casualties have been reported, the fires have affected at least 1,800 people, with hundreds seeking shelter in schools and mosques.

Beyond the immediate destruction, the fires have contributed to severe haze, causing respiratory illnesses and air pollution spikes in neighboring Singapore and Malaysia. Experts also attribute the severity of the fires to slash-and-burn land clearance practices.