Indonesia, Aug. 21 -- Air quality in Palangka Raya, Central Kalimantan, has reached hazardous levels as smoke and soot from forest and land fires have blanketed parts of the city, authorities said on Friday.

"Based on Palangka Raya Disaster Agency data, air quality ranges from moderate to hazardous at certain times," city official Samsul Rizal said.

He said forest and land fires affect more than just the environment, with smoke threatening public health, worsening air quality, reducing visibility, and disrupting transportation and other activities.

In early August, haze blanketed Palangka Raya, with air quality reaching hazardous levels, he said.

Much of Palangka Raya is covered by peatland, making the area particularly vulnerable bec...