Indonesian Forest Fire Smoke Reaches Philippines, Air Quality Becomes Very Unhealthy
Smoke from forest and land fires (karhutla) in Kalimantan, Indonesia, has reached the Manila metropolitan area, the capital of the Philippines. The presence of this haze has caused air quality in several areas of Manila to reach ‘very unhealthy’ to ‘very hazardous to health’ levels.
The worst air quality, recording the highest Air Quality Index (AQI) figures, was detected in the Paranaque, Quezon City, and Las Pinas areas, according to local Philippine media reports on Tuesday (1/9/2026). This situation is expected to persist in these regions for some time.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-National Capital Region Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-NCR) officially reported that several cities in Metro Manila recorded ‘very unhealthy’ to ‘very hazardous’ air quality levels on Tuesday morning, caused by haze likely linked to the ongoing forest fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia.
Based on data from Tuesday (1/9) morning at 06:00 local time, the DENR-EMB for the National Capital Region recorded high levels of PM2.5. The term ‘PM2.5’ refers to fine particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or less.
Air quality monitoring data from the DENR-EMB showed that Paranaque recorded an AQI of 296, followed by Quezon City at 241, and Las Pinas at 237. Manila City itself recorded an AQI of 231.
AQI levels at these ranges are categorised as ‘Acutely Unhealthy’ or ‘very hazardous to health’. At this level, the DENR-EMB stated that an AQI between 201-300 means everyone will feel the impact significantly, and outdoor activities should be restricted.
Most other monitored areas in Metro Manila recorded air quality in the ‘Very Unhealthy’ category. At this level, with AQI figures ranging between 151-200, local authorities warned that health conditions for those with heart and lung diseases could worsen.
The AQI figures are based on the concentration of fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, in the air. These small particles can penetrate deep into the respiratory system, posing a greater risk to vulnerable groups.
Dr Gerry Bagtasa, an atmospheric physicist and professor of meteorology at the University of the Philippines Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology, stated that satellite imagery shows active hotspots in western and southern Kalimantan in recent days.
According to Dr Bagtasa, unusual wind patterns have carried smoke from the Indonesian island towards the Philippines, allowing pollutants to cross the equator and reach the country.
The winds, Dr Bagtasa added, are also carrying the smoke towards the Philippines, contributing to the hazy conditions observed throughout the Metro Manila region.
The situation has prompted Philippine authorities to issue advisories to citizens, particularly vulnerable groups, to take precautionary measures. Local authorities are urging children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with lung or heart conditions to wear masks, especially when outdoor exposure is unavoidable.
Citizens are also advised to remain indoors as much as possible while air quality remains poor.