Haze Watch - 11 January 2010

The report is compiled by the ASEAN Secretariat based on feedback from relevant ASEAN Member Countries and will be updated on a regular basis.

Report of Current Situation

Hotspot activities in the northern region remains elevated due to the continuing dry weather. Scattered hotspot activities were detected in Cambodia while isolated hotspots were detected in Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and Viet Nam.

In Thailand, on 11 January 2010, air quality index (AQI) reading recorded good and moderate status throughout the country except for Saraburi where unhealthy level was recorded.

In the period of 4 January to 10 January 2010, most hotspots were detected in Cambodia (764) followed by Thailand (184). Most hotspots were detected on 10 January 2010.

Based on FDRS reading, all fine fuels will easily ignite, potentially resulting in many fires in most parts of Thailand, parts of Lao PDR, most parts of Viet Nam, parts of Peninsular Malaysia and parts of Borneo. In mixed fuels, severe drought conditions and high-intensity fires can occur in parts of Thailand and parts of Viet Nam. In mixed fuels, both moderate- and high-intensity fires can be very common in parts of Thailand. In mixed fuels, moderate intensity fires can occur in parts of Thailand and parts of Lao PDR. Peat areas will produce widespread and severe haze in Thailand, Lao PDR and most parts of Viet Nam. Smoldering in drained peat areas is possible in Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra and Borneo.

Resources Mobilised and Actions Taken

In Thailand, action taken under Fire Suppression Mobilisation Plan level 1 (situation under control).