# Forest fire and haze crisis in Pekanbaru

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/forest-fire-and-haze-crisis-in-pekanbaru
> Updated: 2026-08-31T03:48:00.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

Pekanbaru and the wider Riau region have been managing a crisis caused by forest and land fires. Initially, the haze led to a public health emergency, prompting Mayor Agung Nugroho to place 21 community health centers on 24-hour standby to treat residents suffering from Acute Respiratory Infection (ISPA).

By late August, air quality in Pekanbaru improved to the ‘Good’ category, with the US AQI reaching 39 following recent rainfall. While visibility has increased and normal activities have resumed, authorities remain on high alert. The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) and Riau Regional Police continue firefighting and monitoring operations, noting that hundreds of hotspots remained recorded across the region.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-31: Pekanbaru air quality improves amid ongoing Riau forest fire response

Air quality in Pekanbaru, Riau, has improved to the ‘Good’ category following rainfall, though authorities continue firefighting operations to manage remaining hotspots and forest fires.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pekanbaru-air-quality-improves-amid-ongoing-riau-forest-fire-response

### 2026-08-26: Pekanbaru manages haze health crisis and announces scholarship funding

Pekanbaru authorities are managing a haze-induced health crisis by placing 21 health centers on 24-hour alert, while also announcing Rp10 billion in scholarships and promoting student entrepreneurship.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pekanbaru-manages-haze-health-crisis-and-announces-scholarship-funding

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Cite as: Forest fire and haze crisis in Pekanbaru. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/forest-fire-and-haze-crisis-in-pekanbaru