Intensifying El Niño conditions have sparked severe wildfires in south Borneo, Indonesia, threatening the health of local children. Siti Sarah, a resident of Pengayuan village, experienced disrupted sleep as fires rapidly approached her home and surrounding peatlands.

The region's peatlands are particularly vulnerable to fire during dry El Niño periods, which exacerbate drought conditions. These wildfires release toxic smoke, leading to severe air quality issues that disproportionately affect children’s health.

Historically, south Borneo has faced recurrent wildfire outbreaks, often linked to agricultural practices and deforestation. The long-term ecological degradation and socio-economic fallout from these fires highlight the urgent need for sustainable land management policies.