Huge fires are burning across Indonesia right now. These aren't just normal forest fires. They are happening in peatlands, which are swampy areas filled with old plant matter. When these burn, they create a very thick, toxic smoke.

This smoke is now blowing into neighboring countries. It is creating a major haze that is making it hard for people to breathe. In many areas, the air quality is so bad that schools have been forced to close to keep children safe.

Experts say the weather is making things much worse. A climate event called 'super' El Niño is happening right now. El Niño changes weather patterns around the world. In this part of the world, it is causing a severe dry spell. Without rain, the fires spread much faster and are much harder to put out.

People living in the path of the smoke say everything is covered in gray ash. It is a true crisis. Local officials and government ministers are worried because the hot, dry weather is expected to last through the rest of the month. They have warned that putting these fires out will be a very difficult challenge.

For now, people are being told to stay inside whenever possible and to avoid breathing the thick, smoky air.

Source: BBC