Forest fires back in Kalimantan

BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan: Forests fires and haze are apparent yet again in South Kalimantan now that the dry season has begun. Last week, only 49 hot spots were detected by satellite in the province, but the number rose to 84 on Monday.

A senior forestry official, Zainul Arifin, said only two of the 13 regencies and cities in the province were fire-free, namely Banjarmasin city and Hulu Sungai Tengah regency. Haze is blanketing Banjar regency and Banjarbaru city. -- Antara