Singapore skies turn hazy as Indonesian fires flare
© 2000 Reuters Limited
September 13, 2000
SINGAPORE - Satellite photos show a growing number of forest fires and hot spots in Indonesia and the smoke is turning the air slightly hazy over neighbouring Singapore, the city-state's Ministry of Environment said yesterday.
Singapore's Pollutant Standards (PSI) stood at 56 at 4 p.m. (0800 GMT) yesterday.
A reading of between zero and 50 is considered to be in "good" range, 51 to 100 "moderate", with few or no health concerns, and above 100 is considered "unhealthy".
Smoke from fires on Indonesia's westernmost island of Sumatra briefly sent smog over Singapore, parts of neighbouring Malaysia and even southern Thailand in July.
Two years ago, thick smoke from slash-and-burn forest fires - many started illegally to clear Indonesian land - blanketed large parts of Southeast Asia, taking a heavy toll on health and tourism.
Warm and dry weather in Indonesia that has increased the danger of fire was expected to persist and Singapore skies will remain hazy through the week, Meteorological Service Singapore said in a statement.