Volunteers on the Indonesian part of Borneo are confronting persistent peat fires that campaigners describe as "carbon bombs" — blazes that release long-sequestered carbon when peatlands burn. The fires, which can smoulder for extended periods, are producing a thick, hazardous smog that spreads across national boundaries and affects large parts of Southeast Asia.
Peatlands store large amounts of organic material accumulated over centuries. When these peat soils ignite, they emit carbon dioxide and other pollutants that contribute to climate change and local air pollution. Because the peat can burn beneath the surface, the fires are often difficult to detect and extinguish, and they can reignite even after apparent dousing.
Those on the front lines face dangerous conditions. Volunteers working to suppress the blazes contend with toxic smoke, heat and unstable terrain while attempting to prevent further emissions. Their actions range from immediate firefighting to efforts aimed at limiting the spread of smoke, and organisers say the volunteers are essential in curbing the worst impacts of the episodes.
The smoke from the peat fires does not respect borders. Haze drifting from Borneo has been linked to declines in air quality in neighbouring countries, raising public health concerns and prompting cross-border attention. The repeated outbreaks underline long-standing questions about land management and the need for preventative measures to reduce the frequency and intensity of peatland fires.
While short-term firefighting is crucial to protect communities and reduce immediate emissions, environmental advocates argue that longer-term solutions are required to address why peatlands ignite so readily. Restoring wetland conditions and changing land-use practices are among the strategies discussed by analysts and campaigners seeking to limit future "carbon bomb" events.
For now, volunteers remain on the front lines, accepting personal risk to contain blazes that release ancient carbon and create regional haze — a reminder of the interconnected health and climate impacts of peatland fires in the region.