Indonesia, April 14 -- Natuna, Riau Islands (ANTARA) -

The skies turned a deep red in the final weeks of March and early April over Natuna District, Riau Islands Province, as prolonged dry conditions linked to the El Niño phenomenon triggered widespread wildfires across the region.

What began as thin plumes of smoke gradually thickened into dense haze, blanketing forest areas and dry land after extended rainless days. Vegetation, stripped of moisture, became highly flammable, effectively turning large swathes of land into natural fuel.

Under these conditions, fires ignited easily and spread rapidly, affecting multiple locations in a short span of time.

The largest initial blaze broke out in Bunguran Timur Laut Sub-district on Mar...