Manila: Forest and land fires in Indonesia's West Java province have burned at least 237 hectares as of Thursday, local media reported. The fires have primarily affected the Sumedang Regency, which recorded the highest number of incidents, totaling 22, according to broadcaster Kompas.

According to Philippines News Agency, the West Java Regional Disaster Management Agency reported a total of 168 fire incidents. These fires have spread across 186 subdistricts in 21 districts and cities. Despite the widespread impact, there have been no reported injuries among residents.

Indonesia is currently experiencing an unusually prolonged dry season, exacerbated by El Ni±o, which has created conditions conducive to wildfires. In July alone, nearly 95,000 hectares were burned, and the Forestry Ministry estimated that approximately 202,000 hectares had been affected nationwide by the end of July.

In a related incident, an adult male orangutan found last Sunday in Ketapang Regency succumbed to respiratory problems, reportedly caused by thick wildfire smoke that had enveloped his habitat for several days, as reported by Indonesian news outlet Tempo. A necropsy revealed pathological changes in the orangutan's heart, kidneys, and lungs, suspected to be linked to the smoke exposure, stated Murlan Dameria Pane, head of the West Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency.