Through smoke, flames and exhaustion, Sumatra’s firefighters find strength to carry on
Firefighters in Sumatra, Indonesia, are facing an exceptionally difficult wildfire season characterized by long hours and hazardous conditions. The report highlights the physical and mental toll on the personnel tasked with protecting livelihoods from transboundary haze.
Why it matters
Wildfires in Indonesia have significant regional environmental and health impacts, making the work of these firefighters a critical public safety issue.
Wildfires in Indonesia have caused transboundary haze and disrupted livelihoods in Sumatra. In the second of a series, CNA meets the firefighters enduring choking smoke, sleepless nights and scarce water - and finds out what keeps them going.
Firefighters spraying water at a wildfire in Ogan Ilir, South Sumatra, Indonesia, on Sep 11, 2026. (Photo: CNA/Wisnu Agung Prasetyo)
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