Johor Fires: Burning Smell in Singapore as Haze Returns – March 2024 Update

Haze from Johor Fires Drifts Towards Singapore: What We Know

The familiar scent of smoke returned to parts of Singapore on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, prompting concern and a statement from the National Environment Agency (NEA). The source? Multiple hotspots in eastern Johor, Malaysia, with smoke plumes drifting across the border. While air quality remains within acceptable ranges currently, officials are monitoring the situation closely, citing continued risk of haze through the week. This isn’t the first time fires in Johor have impacted air quality in Singapore, and understanding the current situation requires looking at the confirmed details, the broader context, and what steps are being taken.

Confirmed Fires and Air Quality Readings

As of Tuesday afternoon, two significant fires were identified in the Kota Tinggi district of Johor. One, a 150-hectare forest fire along the Desaru-Pengerang Highway, has been burning since Saturday, March 21. This fire is approximately 22 kilometers east of Singapore’s easternmost point at Changi. The Johor Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) reported that roughly 40% of the affected area – 60 hectares – has been extinguished, leaving 90 hectares still ablaze. AsiaOne reports that the flames are spreading rapidly due to strong winds, increasing the risk of further expansion.

A second fire is burning in Sedili Kechil, also within Kota Tinggi, roughly 50 kilometers northeast of Singapore. The Kota Tinggi Fire Department confirmed activity at a “hilly forest area” on Monday night, though the size of the affected area is still being verified.

The NEA issued a statement on Facebook around 6:20 pm on Monday, confirming the observation of these hotspots. At 2 am on Tuesday, the one-hour PM2.5 level – a measure of fine particulate matter – reached 69, categorized as “elevated.” Though, by 8 pm, readings across Singapore had returned to the normal range, with the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) ranging from 43 to 69, falling within the “fine” to “moderate” range. You can view the NEA’s current air quality readings on their microsite.

What is PM2.5 and Why Does it Matter?

PM2.5 refers to particulate matter 2.5 micrometers in diameter or smaller. These tiny particles are particularly dangerous given that they can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, causing respiratory and cardiovascular problems. Exposure to elevated PM2.5 levels can exacerbate existing conditions like asthma and heart disease, and long-term exposure has been linked to more serious health issues. The NEA monitors PM2.5 levels closely as a key indicator of air quality.

A History of Haze: Context and Recurring Patterns

This isn’t the first time haze from fires in Indonesia and Malaysia has affected Singapore. The most severe haze episodes occurred in 1997, 2013, and 2015, largely attributed to land clearing practices – often involving burning – in Indonesia for palm oil plantations. While the current situation appears localized to Johor, it highlights Singapore’s vulnerability to transboundary haze.

The recurring nature of these events has led to diplomatic efforts between Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia to address the root causes of the fires and improve regional cooperation in haze prevention and mitigation. These efforts include information sharing, joint patrols, and assistance with fire suppression.

What Remains Unclear

While the NEA has confirmed the presence of hotspots and monitored air quality, several details remain unclear. The exact cause of the fires in Johor has not been officially determined. The size of the fire in Sedili Kechil is still being verified. The long-term trajectory of the smoke plumes and the potential for further deterioration in air quality remain uncertain, dependent on wind direction and weather conditions.

How the NEA Monitors and Responds to Haze

The NEA employs a comprehensive system to monitor air quality and respond to haze events. This includes a network of air quality monitoring stations across Singapore that continuously measure pollutant levels, including PM2.5. Satellite imagery is also used to detect hotspots and track the movement of smoke plumes.

When haze is detected, the NEA issues public advisories to inform the public about the air quality situation and provide recommendations for minimizing exposure, such as staying indoors, closing windows, and wearing masks if necessary. The NEA also works with relevant agencies to implement mitigation measures, such as cloud seeding to induce rainfall and suppress fires.

What Happens Next?

The NEA has indicated that the risk of haze will persist until the end of the week, due to dry conditions in the region. Continued monitoring of the hotspots in Johor and air quality in Singapore is crucial. The JBPM is continuing its efforts to extinguish the fires, and the situation will likely improve as containment progresses.

However, the potential for fresh fires to ignite remains a concern, particularly during the dry season. Regional cooperation and proactive fire prevention measures are essential to mitigate the risk of future haze episodes.