More hotspots in Kalimantan

More hotspots in Kalimantan

BANJARBARU, South Kalimantan: A senior official revealed that a total 561 hotspots were identified in 13 regencies and municipalities in South Kalimantan province as of Sept. 19, sparking fear of the return of haze.

The number of hotspots is alarming as it is a sharp increase from the number recorded on Sept. 13, which only numbered 311, said Zainal Arifin, the chief of Forest Protection with the South Kalimantan Forestry Office. The office feared that the number of hotspots would increase and in order to prevent this, the office has called on residents and firms to avoid carrying out the slash and burn method for clearing land.

Despite expressing his concern, Zainal confirmed that the number of hotspots this year was much fewer than last year. -- Antara