This report gives the scenario of the fire and haze that has began at the start of August 2005. These numerous fires occur on mostly peatland areas. As such, these fires are difficult to put out as they burn in the deeper layers of the peat. Special equipment would be required alongwith sufficient time to isolate or flood burning peat layers.

Apart from Indonesia, the resultant smoke haze has also impacted on Malaysia and Thailand to the extent that air quality emergencies were declared in parts of Peninsular Malaysia due to high APIs (Air Pollution Indexes). Smoke has also blanketed southern parts of Thailand, tho the amount of airborne dust particles was not dangerous as compared to Malaysia. Nonetheless, masks were encourged to be used for health purposes.

There has been a national response in Indonesia to extinguise the fires using both air and land methods with joint cooperation between Ministeries of Forestry and Environment, Technological Research and Development Agency and the Pollice Office. On an international level, Indonesia has accepted Malaysia's offer of assistance.  Australia is sending a team of up to 12 bushfire experts to Sumatra.